CHICAGO, Ill. -- The University of Chicago women's soccer team remained unbeaten in season openers for the eight-straight year following Saturday's 3-1 victory over Kalamazoo College.

The Maroons improved to 1-0-0 and the Hornets fell to 0-1-0.

With the win, Chicago Head coach Amy Reifert is now 18-2-2 in season openers, with an 85-11 goal differential in those games.

In the first half, Chicago did a better job controlling the midfield. Natalia Jovanovic got a good chance to score 10 minutes into the game from inside the box, but Kalamazoo goalie Lucy Mailing made a diving save to deny the opportunity.

Kalamazoo scored first with just under three minutes remaining before halftime. C.J. McCarthy stroked a left-footed shot from 30 yards that arced over the goalie and in. However, Chicago struck right back within 30 seconds and caught the Hornets on their heels. Forward Sara Kwan went on a run all alone into the left side of the box and deftly passed in front to a streaking Madeleine Horvath, who buried it for her first collegiate goal.

The Hornets almost went ahead in the 52nd minute when Maya Smolcic hit the crossbar from 20 yards out. But the Maroons gained the lead in the 57th minute when Brigette Kragie collected Jovanovic's corner kick and put it into the back of the netting.

Chicago added last minute insurance in the 89th minute. Kragie outmanuevered her defender in the box and put a cross straight to Kwan's head, who was up close and unmarked for the easy score.

The Maroons held an 11-8 shot advantage with a sizable 8-1 corner kick edge. Goalie Jacinda Reid played the first half and made one save. Mallory Morse played the second half and made three saves to earn the victory between the pipes.

Chicago is back in action against Hope College at home with a 4 PM game on Wednesday.