HUNTINGDON, PA- The Highlanders hit the road for their season opener traveling across the state to face off against the Juniata College Eagles in a non-conference matchup.
 
The Highlanders' Victoria Ruitto (younger sister of standout midfielder Katie Ruitto) opened the season's scoring, blitzing Juniata with a goal in the fourth minute of play. Juniata came storming back, continually testing the Cairn defense with 16 shots in the first half.  However, the Highlander defense, anchored by Ruitto, as well as veterans Sierra Kiekel, Carly Eubank, and excellent keeper Mackenzie Paugh, proved up to the task- limiting Juniata to only two goals. After a slow start to the second half, the younger Ruitto made her mark again in the 58^th minute, playing a piercing free kick into the box that Sara Hayduchok nudged home for her first goal of the season to knot the game at 2-apiece. The Highlanders defense fended off countless Juniata attacks, keeping the game tied until the 85^th minute when Juniata broke the deadlock with a chipped goal over the top and put the game out of reach in the 89^th.
 
The Highlanders can exit their season opener with their heads held high, as they played a strong Juniata College team nearly even. Cairn will have a chance to tally their first win Saturday afternoon, taking on Penn State Altoona at 3:00 PM.