Alma's Women's Soccer team kicked off their 2011 season on Saturday in the first of two games in the Chicagoland area this weekend. The Scots opened up on a positive note, by defeating North Park University (Ill.), 2-0 on a warm, muggy afternoon.

With the win, the Scots are now 1-0 on the season after winning a game that saw a 90 minute weather delay due to lightning. The two teams had to leave the field late in the first half due to the inclement conditions.

"All of our players got significant minutes today and we were able to get into a flow that allowed us to get the win," said Alma Head Coach Jeff Hosler. "A big area of focus for us is to go on the road and win at places that will allow us to challenge ourselves as we get ready for the tough schedule ahead of us."

Alma scored the first goal of the game when So. Taryn Handyside (Montrose, Mich./Hill-McCloy) hit the back of the net at 14:56, with help from an assist from Sr. Becky Marton (Williamston, Mich./Williamston).

The Scots made it 2-0 at the 46:42 mark, when Sr. Annette Stromberg (N. Muskegon, Mich./N. Muskegon) knocked in a pass from Marton. The visitors were able to make the two goals hold up due in part to a stifling defense that kept the home team at bay all afternoon.

On the day, the Scots had five shots on goal, while the defense held North Park to just one shot against Alma Sr. GK Monica Witt (Clio, Mich./Clio), who earned the shutout.

On Sunday, Alma will take on host Aurora University, beginning at 4:00 p.m. Michigan time.