BELOIT - The Monroe soccer team staved off a first half offensive onslaught against the host Purple Knights, as Beloit Memorial looked to capitalize on their early aggressive play. But as the game ended, it was the Cheesemakers who drew upon their offensive and defensive prowess in collecting a 3-1 victory.

"It was a very exciting game," Cheesemakers coach Miriam O'Neill said. "Possessions were pretty much equal between both teams, (but) Beloit (Memorial) was very aggressive in the first half and they took a lot of shots."

Despite the Knights' barrage of shots, the Cheesemakers were the first to get on the scoreboard, thanks to a goal by freshman midfielder Hannah Calaway at 21 minutes and 22 seconds. Sophomore Maddie Kallgren was on the assist.

In the second half, Monroe turned up the intensity with their own aggressive play. After a Beloit Memorial score in the 48th minute, the Cheesemakers responded at 54:20 with a goal by senior forward Gabby Ludwig off of another assist set up by Kallgren. The Cheesemakers added the finishing touches with another goal at 63:40, scored again by Ludwig off an assist from Sami Curtis.

"I thought we picked it up in the second half," O'Neill said. "Although we were the first to score in the first (half), I thought we did a better job in responding after the half."

Monroe's next home game is against Wisconsin Heights on Monday.