CRESSON, Pa. — The Mount Aloysius women's soccer team started Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) play on a high note Saturday afternoon, earning a 3-2 win over visiting Hilbert College on Kelly Field.

The Mounties wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as Abby Bell (Hollidaysburg, Pa., Hollidaysburg) struck from distance in just the third minute. Assisted by Reya Shaver (Williamsport, Md., Williamsport), Bell's perfectly placed shot found the top shelf to give Mount Aloysius the early 1-0 edge.

Hilbert responded in the 18th minute to level the match, but the Mounties regained momentum before the break. Off a corner kick from Natalie Despot (Hollidaysburg, Pa., Hollidaysburg), Brooke Thomas (Altoona, Pa., Altoona) rose above the defense and delivered a header into the net, sending Mount Aloysius into halftime with a 2-1 advantage.

In the second half, the Mounties continued to apply pressure. In the 72nd minute, Jordan Bailey (Crofton, Md., South River) extended the lead to 3-1, finishing off a feed from Maggie Cason (Spotsylvania, Va., Riverbend). Hilbert pulled one back late to make it 3-2, but the Mountie defense stood tall in the closing minutes to secure the win.

With the victory, Mount Aloysius improves to 3-3-2 overall and begins AMCC play at 1-0. The Mounties now turn their attention to a tough non-conference matchup on the road against nationally ranked No. 19 Swarthmore College.