JACKSONVILLE, Ill. -- The Ripon College women's soccer team opened Midwest Conference play on the road Saturday, falling 1-0 to Illinois College.

The Red Hawks battled hard defensively as senior goalkeeper Britt Hable (Oshkosh, Wis., Oshkosh West HS) recorded eight saves on the day, keeping Ripon in the game despite a heavy offensive push from the Lady Blues. Illinois College out-shot Ripon 20-2, including a 9-1 advantage in shots on goal.

Ripon's best scoring chance came from freshman Lizzy Schmitz (Sheboygan, Wis., Sheboygan Lutheran HS) in the first half and junior Martina Palazzolo (Sterling Heights, Mich., Utica Ford HS) in the second, but Illinois College's goalkeepers turned away the attempts to secure the shutout.

With the loss, Ripon moves to 0-1 in conference play and will look to bounce back in their next matchup.

The Red Hawks return to home to take on Cornell College at Hopp Stadium on Tuesday, Sept 30, at 4 pm.