Rooney’s goal lifts Vikings past Benedictine

APPLETON, Wis. — Melissa Rooney’s first-half goal proved to be enough as the Lawrence University women’s soccer team stopped Benedictine (Ill.) University 1-0 in a nonconference game on Friday.

It was the first Lawrence (1-1-0) victory in the renovated Ron Roberts Field at the Banta Bowl.

Ryan Berkley took a free kick from the far sideline and fired it through the penalty box. Rooney was there on the far side and her shot got between Benedictine goalkeeper Maddie Frye and the near post at the 22:36 mark. It was the first career goal for Rooney, a sophomore.

Benedictine (1-1-0) had several good scoring chances but hit the crossbar three times, and Lawrence goalkeeper Patsy Kealey made 14 saves. Kealey, making just her second start in goal, recorded her first career shutout.

Frye stopped six shots for the Eagles.

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