Season Opener in Miami Gardens
The Saints stepped onto the field in Miami Gardens for their first match of the 2026 campaign, facing a Keiser squad that entered the game as the nation's top‑ranked team. From the opening whistle, Keiser pressed forward, forcing Carroll into a defensive posture that would define much of the contest.
A 5th‑minute strike by Haley Miller, set up by Blanca Bachi and Delia Letelier, put Keiser on the board early, and the visitors continued to dominate possession. Carroll managed ten shots in the opening half, but only two found the target, highlighting the Saints' struggle to convert chances.
A Goalkeeper's Battle
Between the posts, Maria Ackerman, a Billings native, turned in a gritty performance, making seven saves — five of them in the final 45 minutes of the first half. Her efforts kept the deficit manageable, even as Keiser piled on the pressure.
The second half saw Keiser double its lead when Miller converted a penalty kick in the 70th minute, her second goal of the match. Carroll's attack, led by Gabrielle Lougen, forced a save from Keiser's keeper in the 68th minute, but the Saints could not find a response.
Looking Forward
Carroll College will now travel to Miami Gardens on Sunday to meet St. Thomas University (Fla.) at 11 a.m. The upcoming encounter offers the Saints a chance to rebound against a formidable opponent and fine‑tune their strategy before the season progresses.