The Carroll College Lady Saints got another big win Saturday, downing the University of Alberta Pandas 3-1 behind a pair of Jenni Annicchiarico goals.

"No complaints. It was a pretty impressive game for us as a team," said Saints head coach David Thorvilson. "This was by far the better team this weekend."

The game got off to a different start than the Saints wanted when Alberta's Veronica Mayer pushed a header past goalie Nikki Skaggs just three minutes into the game.

After the first goal, the game changed into a physical one played at midfield, with some rare opportunities for both sides. Carroll forward Eileen Brennan and Alberta defender Veronique Mayer squared off time and again throughout the game. Mayer's air game was splendid, matched only by Brennan's footwork.

"(Mayer) and Eileen had an epic battle," said Throvilson.

In the 22nd minute, Kate Smith found Annicchiarico at the top of the box. Annicchiarico was able to dribble towards the net, and as she fell, she kicked the ball off the inside of the right post to knot the score at 1-1.

Annicchiarico's goal provided a huge momentum swing for the Saints, who attacked the net repeatedly until the end of the first half.

"We settled down and were finding passing lanes," said Thorvilson.

In the second half, both teams came out strong, though it was Carroll that struck first. Nineteen minutes in, as Annicchiarico streaked down the line, Katie Joseph hit her with a pass in front of the box.

From 20 yards out, Annicchiarico drilled a hard shot that went past the outstretched Pandas goalkeeper's hands and into the left side of the net.

"It was a slammin' goal," said Saints goalie Katie Beall.

"Today she was a Canadian killer," said Thorvilson of Annicchiarico, an Alberta native.

With the score 2-1 and all the momentum on their side, Carroll kept attacking. Annicchiarico had several opportunities for a hat trick, however nothing got past the Pandas. Both teams spoiled chances down the stretch, until, with 7:20 remaining, Brennan found Valerie Feltz in front of the goal, where she packed another one in for a two-point cushion.

"We played a full 90 minutes," said Thorvilson. "We were in better shape. It's a sign of a good team, to go down by a goal and come back to win."

"It was a complete team effort," said Annicchiarico, who was playing against her second cousin, Lisa Annicchiarrico. "The defense was awesome."

The win puts the Saints 2-0 going into a road trip that will take them to Nebraska to face Hastings College and Bellevue College next weekend.