ST. PETER, Minn. – The Nebraska Wesleyan University women's soccer team showed tremendous resilience on the road Sunday afternoon, battling to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Gustavus Adolphus College at Gustie Soccer Field.
Junior forward Averie Hike continued her impressive scoring streak, netting her sixth goal of the season to give the Prairie Wolves (2-3-3) a second-half lead before the Gusties (3-1-4) found a late equalizer.
HOW IT HAPPENED
FIRST HALF
The Prairie Wolves looked to establish their attacking presence early when freshman Emily Abeyta created space and fired a shot on goal in the 26th minute that required a save from Gustavus goalkeeper Katelyn Olson. Despite being outshot 7-1 in the opening frame, Nebraska Wesleyan's defensive unit remained organized and disciplined.
The Gusties generated several opportunities, with Tessa Zachmann particularly active with three first-half shots, but the Prairie Wolves' backline stood strong. Goalkeeper Jena Schultz made four crucial saves before halftime to keep the match scoreless heading into the break.
SECOND HALF
Nebraska Wesleyan came out with renewed energy after halftime and broke through in the 52nd minute when Hike found the back of the net with an unassisted strike, giving the Prairie Wolves a 1-0 advantage. The goal marked Hike's sixth of the season and her fourth game with a goal this season.
The Prairie Wolves continued to battle, with Averie Hike testing the Gustavus keeper again with a shot on target in the 57th minute. Emily Jasa also contributed to the offensive effort with a quality attempt in the 50th minute that forced a save.
Gustavus Adolphus eventually found their equalizer in the 77th minute when Tessa Zachmann scored her third goal of the season off an assist from Haillee Wilson, leveling the match at 1-1.
Despite being outshot 11-4 overall, the Prairie Wolves showed tremendous defensive resolve throughout the contest. Schultz finished with six saves, including several critical stops to preserve the draw.
PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
- Averie Hike - Scored her team-leading 6th goal of the season, finding the net in her 4th different match this year
- Jena Schultz - Recorded 6 saves, including 4 crucial first-half stops to keep the match level
- Emily Jasa - Generated a quality scoring chance with a shot on goal in the 50th minute
- Emily Abeyta - The freshman forward created Nebraska Wesleyan's first scoring opportunity with a shot on target in the 26th minute
UP NEXT
The Prairie Wolves will now turn their attention to conference play as they prepare to host Loras College in their American Rivers Conference opener. That match is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, at 5:00 PM at Abel Stadium in Lincoln.
