Baltimore, MD - In the 86th minute Courtney Novak took a long feed from the midfield and found the back of the net with a shot from the top of the box. The goal was Novak's fifth of the season and was the lone tally in a 1-0 victory for Cairn women's soccer over Notre Dame University of Maryland on a windy Saturday afternoon.

On the afternoon the Highlanders controlled play and outshot the host Gators 21-10 in the match. Despite the large gap in shots, the Highlanders were held scoreless on their first 20 attempts on the afternoon. It wasn't until the final shot of the match did Cairn find the back of the net.

On the season, Cairn has two 1-0 victories. Both have come in CSAC victories - the first was against Keystone on Oct. 8.

Novak's tally came off a long ball over the top from the midfield. The pass found Novak on the left side. When the pass was made, the Gators' keeper came off her line to try and snuff out the run, but Novak got to it first and took a touch over the keeper from the top of the 18.

The goal came after a strong run of play from Notre Dame in the 10 minutes prior. The Gators took four shots in the minutes leading up to the lone goal of the game. One of those shots was on frame and Payton Emerick made one of her four saves to keep the match scoreless.

The Highlanders had their chances early in the match, but could not find the twine despite seven shots on goal in the first-half. Meghan Wilson put three shots on frame during the first 45 minutes and Natalie Lyon sent two attempts on frame but they were turned away by Loren Pardoe.

After halftime the Highlanders continued their strong play with the first four shots of the period and seven of the first eight.

After commanding the first 20 minutes of the second-half, the Highlanders turned control over to the Gators and Notre Dame held the majority of chances before Novak found the net.

Outside of Novak's goal, Katie Ruitto collected the only other shot for Cairn in the final 35 minutes with an attempt in the 72nd minute with a shot that went high over the bar.

The shutout was the Highlanders' fourth of the season and Payton Emerick's second shutout in five starts this season.

Of note, neither team made a substitution in the match. With all 22 starters played the entirety of the match.

Cairn will next take the field on Tuesday when they travel to Gwynedd Mercy. Game time is slated for 4:00 p.m.