LINCOLN, NEB. — The Prairie Wolves (1-1) fell to Illinois College (1-1) 3-0 Friday afternoon at Abel Stadium. Nebraska Wesleyan held a 54 percent possession advantage and matched the Lady Blues with 12 shots, but Illinois College converted three of its nine shots on target to earn the shutout victory.
Illinois College got on the board early as Holly Morehart found the back of the net off a header following a cross in from Olivia Hulsey. The Prairie Wolves created several opportunities early, putting four shots on target during the opening half, but Illinois College goalkeeper Stella Gonzalez stopped all four attempts. The Prairie Wolves were forced to play from behind as they looked for their second straight win to start the season.
The Lady Blues doubled their lead after another great pass from Hulsey. Katy Alder drilled it home to put Illinois College ahead 2-0, 13 minutes into the second half. Illinois College held on in the second half to earn its first win of the season. Jordyn Reyes scored in the 68th minute to create the 3-0 final tally.
Gonzalez finished with seven saves to preserve the shutout, while Catthi Pham made four saves in the second half for Nebraska Wesleyan.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Nebraska Wesleyan generated the first significant chances of the match, with
Shelbee Daffer sending a shot high in the second minute before
Nella Castaneda had two shots saved by Gonzalez in the 11th and 12th minutes.
Lexi Jantzen also forced a save in the 12th minute, while
Berlyn Parker's attempt was saved in the 22nd minute. Illinois College broke through in the 15th minute when Holly Morehart scored off an assist from Olivia Hulsey. The Prairie Wolves continued to pressure the Lady Blues, earning a corner in the sixth minute and finishing the half with a 6-5 advantage in shots.
Illinois College doubled its lead in the 59th minute when Katy Adler scored off another assist from Hulsey. Nebraska Wesleyan continued to create opportunities in the second half, with Castaneda, Avah Berlin and Emma Parker all registering shots. The Lady Blues added their third goal in the 68th minute when Jordyn Reyes scored an unassisted goal off of a free kick. The Prairie Wolves continued to attack late, but Gonzalez stopped three second-half shots to finish with seven saves and secure the shutout. Nebraska Wesleyan finished with 12 shots, including seven on target, while Illinois College recorded 12 shots with nine on target. The Prairie Wolves also held a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks.
UP NEXT
Nebraska Wesleyan stays home and will face Gustavus Adolphus for its next match on Sept. 6. The match will start at 10:30 a.m. and be live streamed on
Nebraska Wesleyan's Sports Network.
