HARRISONBURG, Va. – Behind Brenna Lovera's game-winning goal, Northwestern opened its 2016 season with a 1-0 overtime win against VCU on Friday afternoon.
 
Lovera found the back of the net for Chicago's Big Ten Team, but it was the defense that highlighted game. Kicking the season off with a shutout, the 'Cats held the Rams to just one shot on goal.
 
Northwestern spent the majority of the first half pressuring VCU's defense with a number of quality chances. The Wildcats' best chance came in the 32^nd minute when Nikia Smith launched a shot off a corner kick from fifth-year senior Nandi Mehta. VCU goalkeeper Audrey Sanderson tallied a save and the game remained scoreless into the break.
 
Despite registering seven shots in the second half, VCU was unable to scrap up another shot in overtime and the #B1GCats ran away with a season-opening victory.
 
Junior goalkeeper Lauren Clem made one save en route to her 23^rd career shutout. Clem is now one clean sheet shy of tying a program record.
 
The Wildcats close out the JMU Tournament against the host team on Sunday, Aug. 21. Kick off is set for 1 p.m.

••••••

Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!