Justin McCaffrey, Mount Royal Sports Information

CALGARY – Carly Neis scored the lone goal of the game for Mount Royal to solidify their first win of the season. Cailyn Leeson provided a clean sheet for the Cougars, recording her first ever CIS shutout.

The all-Alberta rivalry looked to be in full force as the Pronghorns came into MRU Stadium Field. Tackles came in hard and often on both sides as players began to drop like flies in the early going.

Each side had an array of chances early on but neither team could find the back of the net in the first half.

The scoring opened early in the second half, just 30 seconds after the reset. Cougars' second year forward Erin Holt tore down the wing and won a loose ball. Holt immediately looked across to Carly Neis who was streaking inside the box. The rookie took the ball in stride and blasted it by Gattafoni in the Pronghorns' goal. 

Lethbridge's intensity picked up as they sensed some urgency in the match. Cailyn Leeson was counted on to make a couple big saves in the Cougars' goal and did just that, maintaining the Cougars' one-goal advantage. 

Mount Royal countered right back with a fury of scoring chances but Paige Gattofoni kept Lethbridge within striking distance.

Despite a number of quality scoring chances in extra time, the Pronghorns were unable to solve Leeson and Mount Royal secured their first victory of the season. 

Mount Royal improves to 1-3-0 with the win and Lethbridge drops to 1-3-0 with the loss. The two squads are now tied for fifth place in the conference. 

The Pronghorns will return home next weekend for two games against the two Winnipeg-based teams. Manitoba will come in on Saturday, while the Winnipeg Wesmen will come into town on Sunday. Both games are scheduled for 12pm starts.

The Cougars will remain at home as they host both clubs from Saskatchewan in 11am morning affairs. The Regina Cougars head into MRU Stadium Field on Saturday and the Saskatchewan Huskies complete the weekend set on Sunday.