WILMINGTON, Ohio - Wittenberg University scored one goal in each half in a 2-1 victory over the Wilmington College women's soccer team in a non-conference game at Williams Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Tigers nearly opened the scoring in the first minute when Hannah Heald broke through the Fightin' Quaker defense, but her shot sailed just over the crossbar. Three minutes later, Maddie Scott got a window and fired a shot that was block by the Wittenberg defense. A high shot off the foot of Amy Bidwell in the sixth minute would give way to nearly 10 minutes without a shot for either side.
In the 16th minute, Wittenberg sent a cross towards the top of the box. Wilmington's back line pushed up trying to draw an offside violation, but Heald stayed onside. Quaker goalkeeper Lauren Galloway charged, but Heald slipped a low shot into the lower corner for the only goal of the first half.
The Quakers, seemingly energized by the crowd at Williams Stadium, fired three shots in the first four minutes after taking just four in the first 45 minutes. One of those earned a corner kick, and Abby Spirk's corner to the near side found the head of Courtney Ryan, whose shot beat Wittenberg goalkeeper Emma Schewe to the near side.
Unfortunately for the hosts, that would be the only time Schewe would be beaten. Wittenberg went on to score the game-winner in the 70th minute as Heald fed a pass to Alix Steele who finished just outside the six-yard box.
Wittenberg held a 13-10 edge in shots, but five of Wilmington's shots were on net compared to four for the Tigers. Schewe made four saves to earn her, and Wittenberg's, first win of the season while Galloway made two saves in the loss.
Maddie Scott took seven of Wilmington's 10 team shots while Heald and Paige Kaiser combined for four each.
Wilmington (0-4-0) remains at home this weekend when Anderson University (Indiana) comes to Townsend Field for a 2 p.m. contest on Saturday.
