Box Score Junior midfielder Kelli Sullivan struck for the second goal of her career midway through the second half, but the University of Northern Colorado women's soccer team made the most of its chances and held off Colorado College, 3-1, in the season opener for both teams on Friday afternoon at Stewart Field.

Sullivan put a header from the middle of the penalty area inches inside the right post after UNC senior goalkeeper Madeline Burdick came off her line to challenge a free kick from senior defender Anne-Sophie Lapointe. That, however, proved to be the only time the Tigers would dent the UNC defense.

Northern Colorado took the lead a little more than 10 minutes into the game when senior midfielder Mariel Gutierrez put a one-touch shot into the left side of the goal off a pass from junior midfielder Maddie Roberts.

After playing defense for most of the first half, CC began to gain the territorial advantage early in the second half. The momentum came to an end when a clearing attempt went to senior defender Jacqui Pulley near the top of the box, and her crossing shot to the right side gave the Bears a 2-0 lead early in the 60th minute.   

Sullivan's goal gave the Tigers a shot of adrenaline, but after carrying the play for the next few minutes, UNC added an insurance goal when senior forward Brooke Braden one-timed a cross from Roberts into an open net.

Sophomore goalkeeper Molly Hiniker stopped one shot for Colorado College, while Burdick made both of her saves during the second half when the Tigers launched six of their shots.

Northern Colorado finished with an 8-7 edge in total shots, but CC had a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks.

The Tigers return to action at 3:30 p.m. Sunday when they visit the University of Colorado for their second game of the 2017 Colorado Cup.