NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Carroll University women's soccer dropped its CCIW opener Saturday, falling 5-1 to North Central at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. The Pioneers struck first-half pay dirt but couldn't keep pace as the Cardinals erupted after halftime.

Carroll (3-2-3, 0-1 CCIW) weathered early pressure before breaking through in the 33rd minute. Harlie Seuser netted her first goal of the season off a setup from Brielle Ingalsbee, leveling the match at 1-1 after Yazmin Martinez opened scoring for North Central in the 27th minute. The Pioneers entered the break even despite being outshot 11-1 in the first half, thanks to four saves from goalkeeper Ava Lewandowski.

The second half belonged to the Cardinals (5-5, 1-0 CCIW). Lucy Burke scored twice in a nine-minute span, including the eventual game-winner in the 51st minute. Kassandra Salviola and Kara Waishwell added insurance goals as North Central finished with a 26-5 edge in shots and a 12-2 advantage in shots on target. Carroll managed four second-half attempts but couldn't find a second goal.

Lewandowski finished with seven saves for the Pioneers, who also received strong minutes from Seuser, Ingalsbee, and Victoria Crivello on the back line. North Central controlled possession (61%) and earned six corner kicks to Carroll's one.

Carroll returns to action next week Wednesday at Elmhurst, looking to rebound in conference play.