WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Wilmington College women's soccer team made the most of its offensive chances in a 1-0 victory over Kenyon College in the non-conference finale at Williams Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Ladies nearly scored in the opening minutes as Samantha Hayes broke loose down the near side of Williams Stadium and sent a dangerous low cross into the box in the fourth minute. The cross found the foot of Olivia Carriero at the six-yard box, but her shot was met by the diving arms of goalkeeper Lauren Galloway.
With two saves to her name in the first five minutes, Galloway and the Fightin' Quaker defense looked to the offense to turn the tide. They did just that in the 12th minute. Maddie Scott found space down the far side and sent a high cross towards the top of the box. Heidi Edens ran under it and lofted a left-footed shot over the charging Kenyon goalkeeper, Leah Anderson, for the first (and only) goal of the game.
From that point on, Kenyon would hold a 10-1 advantage in shots, including a 3-0 margin in shots on goal, in the first half, but a stout Wilmington defense held the 1-0 lead into halftime.
The second half was more balanced in the shots category with the Ladies holding an 8-6 edge, but both teams had one great scoring chance. For the Quakers, that came off a corner kick in the 55th minute. Abby Spirk sent a ball to the near post that found the head of Elizabeth Matthews. The junior headed it to towards the near post, but Anderson made the save. Kenyon's chance came in the final minutes when Samantha Hayes, drifting to her left, fired a low shot across her body from outside the 18-yard box. The shot beat Galloway's outstretched arms, but caromed off the inside of the post. The hosts were able to clear it from danger and held on for a ninth consecutive victory over Kenyon.
The visitors held a 20-8 advantage in total shots, but all seven of them were saved by Galloway, who earned her third shutout win of the season. Anderson stopped 3-of-4 shots and took the loss. Matthews took four of the Quakers' shots while Sadiee Gould led the Ladies with four in defeat.
Wilmington (3-5-1) brings a two-game winning streak into Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play, which begins against Heidelberg at home on Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m.
