SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The William Woods University women's soccer team extends its winning streak to three and moves above .500 for the first time this season, as the team defeated Benedictine University at Springfield 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
In a hard fought American Midwest Conference (AMC) match-up that was all defense in the first half, the Owls (6-5-2; 5-1-2 AMC) overcame the challenge and secured a key road victory, as the team out shot the Bulldogs 17-6 on the afternoon.
Neither team could get the early momentum and find the back of the net, as the score remained scoreless after 45:00 minutes of play, despite the Owls outshooting BU 8-1.
There were five Owls that recorded shots in the first frame, which included,
Rachel Meyer (two),
Jordan McNamara (two),
Haley Pipes,
Jamie Palermo and
Ashley Deckard.
Coming out of the half, the Owls went straight to work, as McNamara, recorded two shots within the first five minutes of the second half, trying to give the team a boost of energy.
Then after 57:40 minutes of scoreless play, the Owls were able to get on the board, as Pipes, connected with the Owls leading scorer, McNamara, giving WWU a 1-0 lead. The team would continue its stellar play the rest of the half and they went on for the one goal victory.
Offensively, the Owls were led by McNamara, as the junior forward, tallied a team-high six shots and one goal, while Meyer added three shots and Deckard contributed two shots in the match-up.
WWU defense displayed another strong outing on Saturday, as the team recorded its fourth shutout on the season. In the net,
Brittany Griffin collected two saves on the day, pushing her season total to 58.
"It was another class performance from the ladies today," said head coach
Randy Hall. "They really dominated possession and were dynamic in their approach to break the Bulldogs down."
Hall added, "Our center backs controlled the shape of the defense and their long balls allowed a lot of freedom for the outside backs and midfielders to join in aggressively."
The Owls return to action on Tuesday, as the team hosts Harris-Stowe State University. Kick-off is set for 7:00 p.m.
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