MILWAUKEE -- Alverno defeated visiting Maranatha, 2-0, today at Alverno field for the Inferno's first Northern Athletics Conference victory of the season.

The Inferno (2-5, 1-2 NAC) also shut out their opponent for the first time this season, holding the Crusaders' (3-3, 0-3) offensive attack at bay. The Crusaders outshot the Inferno 15-8, and had a 5-4 advantage on corner kicks, but the Inferno defense stood firm in keeping the visitors off the scoreboard.

It was Samantha Robinson's (Pleasant Prairie, Wis./Tremper) first shutout of the season, and second of her young career, as she recorded nine saves.

"Sam came up with some big saves at key moments that kept us in the lead," Alverno head coach Brittany Nikolic said.

Alverno defender Brittany Carpenter (Winneconne, Wis./Neenah) setup follow freshman Bryanna Gayle (Milwaukee/Riverside) for the game's first goal in the 42nd minute.

"Brittany hit the ball really well and it got over their back line, and with Bryanna's pace -- she's going to have a good chance of getting on the end of it -- and she got to it and was able to take a touch around the keeper and hit it in the empty net."

Rachel Krueger (Port Washington, Wis.) connected for her third goal of the season midway through the second half to put the Inferno up 2-0.

"It was important to get a victory and fill our confidence," Nikolic said.

The Inferno snapped a five-game losing streak with the victory, and also defeated the Crusaders for the first time in 10 attempts (1-8-1).

Alverno continues conference play on Tuesday hosting Dominican. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.