MENOMONIE — The University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic Blue Devils defeated Cornell College 5-0 in the 2026 season opener.

The Blue Devils started strong with a corner kick and four shots in the opening minutes, taking the lead at 10:39 when Kasey Stauner scored off an Alli LaVick assist. Despite Cornell College earning back-to-back corners shortly after, the Blue Devils extended their lead as Tessa Pagel scored at 14:47 with assists from LaVick and Stauner. Kayla White added another goal at 22:20, assisted by Stauner and Julia Fitt, and goalkeeper Kristen Silenzi made key saves to keep Cornell College scoreless. Stout maintained pressure with seven shots and two corners in the final minutes of the half to carry a 3-0 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Silenzi stopped a Cornell shot at 46:01 before UW-Stout increased the pressure with a series of corner kicks and shots. White's shot on frame led to Bella Mickey scoring off the rebound at 53:58, making it 4-0. The Blue Devils continued to create opportunities, and Tia Rubow scored at 80:03 off assists from Baily Earnest-Miller and Emily Schaupp to seal the 5-0 victory.

Stout outshot Cornell 26-5 including 12-3 on target. Kasey Stauner totaled four points on a goal and two assists. White contributed a goal and an assist, putting three of her four shots on target. Pagel scored and led with five shots, including two on goal. Silenzi recorded three saves to secure her seventh career shutout.

Up next, UW-Stout hosts Edgewood University on Friday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m.