LIBERTY, MO – The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) women's soccer team fell to William Jewell College in a 2-0 decision during Friday's Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) opener.
"William Jewell came out hungry and took the game from us," UIS coach
Erin Egolf said. "We struggled to keep up with the pace of the game and keep possession."
Aspen Hawkins and Gracie Schweinfurth each notched a goal for the Cardinals (2-0, 1-0).
Emily Matsen and
Madisyn Coudriet recorded two shots on goal apiece for UIS (2-1-1, 0-1) while
Meghan Delaney added a shot on target.
William Jewell goalkeeper Jordan Lewis completed the shutout, in addition to tallying five saves. UIS goalkeeper
Courtney Johnson faced eight shots and contributed six saves.
The Cardinals outshot the Prairie Stars by an 11-to-8 margin.
UIS created an opportunity 19 minutes into the first period by completing a downfield pass to
Amanda Meyer on the right side. Meyer's pass to the center was deflected out of bounds for a UIS corner kick.
Taylor Mraz set up Coudriet, but Lewis sent away the shot.
During the 51st minute, Hawkins drove up the field and drilled a shot from the 20-yard line that split two UIS defenders and found the back of the net.
William Jewell added to its lead 65 minutes into the match after Schweinfurth maneuvered her way around a defender and delivered a score. Lexi Pommer was credited with the assist.
Maggie Juhlin made a scoring attempt with less than six minutes remaining that ran high.
The Prairie Stars created some offensive opportunities during the final five minutes of the match, but the Cardinals denied UIS of any open looks.
"We had a few good chances and we just couldn't finish. William Jewell played with intensity. They played well and we had no response."
UIS battles Truman State University (0-2-1, 0-1) in a conference road match on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in Kirksville, MO.
"We are looking to rebound quickly and get prepared for a tough game on Sunday. We will learn from our mistakes and be better for the next game."
