Powered by strong defensive play and a new look offensively, Kansas City Kansas Community College's women's soccer team posted a 3-0 shutout over Allen County at Iola Saturday.

            The win was the first in Jayhawk Conference play for the Lady Blue Devils, who are 2-1-2 heading into a conference doubleheader at Coffeyville Wednesday at 5 p.m. The Lady Blue Devils then return home Saturday to host perennial conference power Butler County in a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.

            Cristina Alvarez, a freshman forward from Seattle, Wash., scored two unassisted goals in the first half for a 2-0 halftime lead and KCKCC made it 3-0 early in the second half on an unassisted goal by Catherine Small of Wichita Maize.

            "Offensively, we connected play between the midfielders and forwards for the first time this season which led to some good scoring opportunities," said KCKCC Coach Shawn Uhlenhake. "Our third goal really gave us the confidence to put the game away."

            Defensively, freshman goalkeeper Alee Alter of Kearney had six saves in posting her third shutout in five games this season. "The defense played very well, holding one of the top forwards (Destinee Smith) in the conference without a goal," said Uhlenhake. "All in all, a good team performance. Allen County is a good team and will be tough to beat when they come here Oct. 16."