CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – College of Saint Mary got its first win of the season Wednesday night as the Flames defeated Mount Mercy University 1-0 in the nonconference contest.

With the win the Flames are 1-0-2 on the season, while Mount Mercy falls to 2-1-1.

"The best way to describe today was grit," CSM Coach Jordan Irsik said. "Mount Mercy has been an offensive team this year and we really had to absorb their pressure in waves – especially in the first 20 minutes of the game.

"Once we were able to gain composure and build in our attack we had some great opportunities. We made their keeper make some outstanding saves to keep the game close. Once we got the goal, I was proud we were able to keep our composure and finish it out."

The lone goal of the game came at 40:46 from CSM's Camila Munoz. Teammate Kaylie Ratzlaff earned the assist.

"Abbie Anderson played in a corner kick," Irsik said describing the goal. "The ball dropped in to Kaylie, who got a leg on it and found Camila on the front post. She finished it."

The Flames outshot Mount Mercy 8-6 in the contest. CSM goalkeeper Alivia Schade finished with three saves in net.

"We have taken some big injuries in our midfield and we challenged people in new positions and new roles," Irsik said. "They really stepped up. I am especially proud of Camila who has seen huge growth in her role this year. She stepped up to score the goal. The other person who really changed the tide today was Kylie Anderson. She came in off the bench and immediately owned the pace of the game. It gave us all the momentum we needed to build our attack.

"We're talking with them about seizing their moments and they really showed that today."

College of Saint Mary is off until Saturday when the Flames travel to York University for a 1 p.m. nonconference showdown.