NORTHFIELD, Minn. – A goal by sophomore Sadie Klassen early in the second half was enough to give the St. Olaf College women's soccer team a 1-0 victory over the regionally-ranked College of Saint Benedict on Saturday afternoon at Rolf Mellby Field.

Klassen netted the lone goal of the game in the 50th minute for St. Olaf (5-5-1, 3-2-1 MIAC), which made the goal stand up with its third shutout of the season. Saint Benedict (8-4-0, 4-2-0 MIAC) was ranked No. 6 in Region IX in this week's United Soccer Coaches regional rankings.

Six of the last seven games in the series between the Oles and Bennies have been decided by a single goal, including four 1-0 wins for St. Olaf since 2016. Saint Ben's had won the last two head-to-head meetings in the series.

Klassen – the reigning Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Offensive Player of the Week – broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, steering the ball home from close range after a cross from senior Tessa Anderson from the left. The goal was Klassen's seventh in nine games this season and her fifth in the last three contests. Klassen's seven goals are tied for the most in the MIAC this season and her six goals in conference play are the most in the conference.

Junior Maddie Black earned her first-career shutout by stopping all four shots the Bennies got on goal in the game, earning her second win of the season in the process. Paige Kahlmeyer made six saves in the loss for the visitors, as shots on goal in the game were 7-4 in favor of St. Olaf.

The Oles are back in action on their home turf on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. against Saint Mary's University (Minn.). St. Olaf is 5-2-0 at Rolf Mellby Field this season.