CHICAGO — IU Northwest women's soccer opened Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference play Wednesday night with a 3-0 road loss to Saint Xavier at Deaton Field.

The RedHawks (2-2-3, 0-1 CCAC) held the Cougars scoreless in the first half behind strong defensive play and key saves from goalkeeper Isabel Escalera, who finished with seven stops. IU Northwest's best early chance came in the seventh minute when Xiomara Santana forced a save, but the RedHawks were limited to just three shots on the night.

Saint Xavier (2-3-1, 1-0 CCAC) broke through in the 53rd minute when Paige Swaw scored off an assist from Vicki Ferrer. Swaw added a second goal in the 74th minute before setting up Lexi Shreve just three minutes later to put the match out of reach.

Escalera's efforts in goal and defensive pressure in the first half kept the RedHawks within striking distance, but IU Northwest was unable to find an equalizer before the Cougars pulled away in the second half.

IU Northwest returns to action Saturday, Sept. 20, with a 10 a.m. road match against Calumet College of St. Joseph in East Chicago, Ind.