MILWAUKEE -- The Alverno College women's soccer team endured its second consecutive shutout in a 5-0 loss in non-conference play with Beloit College on Wednesday.

Although the Inferno (3-3, 0-1 NAC) managed just six shots on goal to the Buccaneers' 19, Alverno head coach Brittany Oliveira was pleased with the progression her team has shown up to this point in the season.

"I was really encouraged because I think our first half was some of the best soccer we've played all year," Oliveira said. "We were playing against a quality team and we were able to keep possession, create some scoring chances and we saw some improvement defensively."

The Inferno fell behind, 2-0, early on in the first half as Beloit found the back of the net in the 14th and 19th minutes on senior goalkeeper Jackie Barnes (Germantown, Wis.). At that point, Oliveira sent freshman Kayla Kennedy (Trempealeau, Wis./G.E.T.), who has only been playing with the team since this past Friday, into the net in hopes of better using Barnes in her natural position on defense.

Kennedy went on to allow three second half goals, but came up with nine saves in 63 minutes of work.

"I'm excited to have Kayla Kennedy join the team and to see her step up in goal in the second half," Oliveira said. "With as little experience as she has, she's picking things up really quickly which gives us the option of putting Jackie back in the field."

Alverno's next game will take the squad to Lake Forest College for another non-conference contest on Sunday, Sept. 20.

"I think Lake Forest will be another tough challenge for us and a good test against another good non-conference opponent," Oliveira said. "Part of our problem right now is that we're still running out of energy and it's hard for us to keep the intensity and the mental focus going the whole game. We need to figure out how to play at a higher level for 90 minutes, not just 45."

Kickoff time at Lake Forest is set for 1 p.m. in Lake Forest, Ill.