WHITEWATER, Wisconsin (Duhawks.com) – The Duhawks kicked off their 2014 season under the lights in Whitewater, Wisconsin against UW-Whitewater on Friday night, pitting two preseason Top 25 teams against eachother. Loras avenged their 2013 loss by defeating Whitewater 1-0 thanks to a Katie Truesdale in the 74'. Senior goalkeeper Hannah Wilson was tested early and often, but she kept her first clean sheet of the season, making three saves in the process.

It was obvious from the start that the Duhawks were still experiencing the growing pains that come along with their young roster this season. The starting lineup included four newcomers – sophomore transfer Hanna Burgmeier as well as freshmen Riley O'Neill, Molly Stanfa, and Lauren Bolnius. The team struggled to connect passes and it seems nerves got the best of some of the newcomers in their first collegiate game. The back line frequently rushed play resulting in loss of possession for the Duhawks up the field.

The Warhawks took seven shots in the opening 45 but could only direct three of them on frame, all of which Wilson stopped. Loras on the other hand, took four shots but failed to put them on target, leaving UW-Whitewater goalkeeper Jordan Myers with an easy opening frame.

Coming out in the second half, the Duhawks started to return the knocks they were dealt in the first half. Truesdale, Walsh and Bolnius connected well up top creating opportunities for the Duhawks. Bolnius made a great breakthrough the middle of the field but was unable to make it past the three Warhawks that awaited her in the back line.

With a storm brewing on the horizon, the Duhawks were finally able to crack the scoreless draw in the 73'. Walsh played an arching ball over the top of the Warhawk defense to the feet of Truesdale who slotted the winner to the far post, just past the diving reach of Myers and into the back of the net.

Truesdale's goal brought the Duhawks to life in the last 20 minutes of the game, giving them the momentum to build on their attack. After Burgmeier drew a foul outside the penalty area, sophomore Madie Avery narrowly missed doubling the Duhawks' lead with her free kick.

With the final whistle came the return of the "Hawk Cup" to Dubuque, the traveling trophy the two teams play for each year.

Loras returns to the Rock Bowl on Sunday afternoon as they host Washington University in St. Louis at 12 p.m. The Bears finished 2013 at 20-1-1 and currently ranked No. 4 in the nation, setting up another Top 25 matchup with Loras currently ranked No. 22.