FULTON, Mo.—The William Woods University women's soccer team returns to the pitch in front of its home crowd on Saturday afternoon, as the Owls play host to Freed-Hardeman University. Kick-off starts at 1 p.m.
Prior to the game, the Owls are teaming up with WWU volleyball to help raise awareness of Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD) in honor of Grace Herschelman.
In November 2014, Grace Herschelman, the now four-year old daughter of Kyle and Mary Herschelman and niece of WWU head volleyball coach
Monica Herschelman and volunteer women's soccer coach
Daniel Herschelman was diagnosed with Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy.
INAD is a rare genetic disorder that affects about 30 children worldwide. The symptoms of the disorder include loss of motor skills, muscle tone, the ability to sit or stand without assistance and the loss of the ability to speak.
There will be tailgating prior to the women's soccer game, starting at 11:30 a.m., while tickets are available at the admission gate or through a women's soccer/volleyball player. A ticket will cost seven dollars for adults and five for students, which will be good for a hamburger/brat, macaroni/potato salad, chips and a drink.
There will be free admission for the day and donations will be welcomed at Anderson Arena and Firley Field, as all proceeds will go to INAD Awareness.
You can donate per goal or per serve at each game and/or a flat donation. If you make a monetary donation towards the amount of goals/aces at each game, you will be contacted afterwards for the total amount due.
The Owls (4-6-2; 2-3-1 AMC), are coming off another road victory over Harris-Stowe State in its last time out, as
Shelby Wiebe's first collegiate goal in the 77
th minute, was more than enough for WWU to go on for the 1-0 victory.
The team totaled 12 shots in the game, while in net,
Ashley Parisi, collected another victory, as she made seven saves.
The win over the Hornets, pushed the teams' record to 3-2-1 in its last six games, with all of its victories coming on the road. During that stretch, WWU has totaled 12 goals and 13 assists, while limiting its opponents to just seven goals.
Senior
Jordan McNamara has led the way lately, scoring three goals on 23 shots, while
Renee Meyer and
Halle Schroeder have two goals apiece. Schroeder, a senior, leads the team in assists, having four.
In goal, the duo of Parisi and
Rebecca Sturgess have combined for 35 saves in 561:50 minutes played, while owning a save percentage of .833.
Last season, when these two teams' met up down in Henderson, Tennessee, the Owls outshot the Lady Lions 28-5 and were able to go on for the 2-0 victory, as the team got goals from
Rachel Meyer and McNamara.
Coming off a 6-9-1 overall record last year, FHU has fared better in 2015, as they are 5-3-1 overall and 2-2-1 in the AMC.
After starting the season 3-0, the Lady Lions have had their ups-and-downs, as they are 2-3-1 in its last six games. The team is coming off a 0-0 tie against Harris-Stowe State in its last time out, but prior to that, FHU dominated Central Baptist College, winning 4-0 and ending its two-game skid.
On the year, Freed-Hardeman, is led by Nina Carolissen, who has scored six goals in nine games, while adding one assist. Taylor Woods has found the back of the net three times, while five other players have scored one goal.
In net, Lauren Cherry, has started in all nine games, making 41 saves and has allowed just four goals, for a save percentage of .911 and a goals against average of .510, which is ninth-best in the NAIA.
Fans make sure to stay updated on wwuowls.com tomorrow night for a full recap and scores from Firley Field.
