They may not have won their first ever game Friday night in Verona, Wisconsin, but one can bet the Madison College women's soccer team earned the respect of their inaugural opponent, Elgin Community College. Against an NJCAA Division I foe, the WolfPack got on the board in the game's opening minute, before eventually falling 4-2.

Riding a wave of energy into their opening contest against the Spartans, Elizabeth Conejo took a pass from Jamie Hess and put one past Spartans' goalie Brenda Perez just 25 seconds into the match. "We all worked together to get that goal, so it's not just on me, it's on the team," said Conejo, when asked about going down in history as the first goal scorer for Madison College. "It's the team's first goal, not just mine."

Unfortunately, Elgin Community College would respond in a big way, registering the game's next three goals. The Spartans scored in the 4th, 5th and 21st minute, leaving the 'Pack with a two-goal hole to climb out of.

Shaking off the damage that had been done, Madison College cut the Elgin lead to a single goal before the half, as Jamie Hess found the back of the net. Arely Ugalde assisted Hess on the score.

Trailing 3-2 entering the second, the WolfPack unfortunately couldn't net another goal in the game's final 45 minutes. Meanwhile, the Spartans scored once more, resulting in the final 4-2 tally.

Stina Seaberg made five saves on the night for Madison College. The WolfPack was outshot 14-8 in the match, with Elgin attempting six more shots on goal. Still, head coach Tory Pomeroy couldn't have been more proud of her team.

"It was a fantastic first start to a season," said Pomeroy. "Yes, we have things to work on, but so do the pros."

Up next, Madison College visits Triton College for their first conference game on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Kickoff in River Grove, Illinois, is slated for 4 p.m.