Eric Gilbert, Staff Writer
The Illinois Wesleyan University women’s soccer team proved why they are ranked number nine in the nation on Saturday, Oct. 3 when they defeated conference foe Augustana University 3-1 at Neis field.
In honor of breast cancer awareness month, the lady Titans hosted their third annual “Play for the Cure” game. The number 25-ranked Vikings came in with an impressive record of 8-2 but were unable to stop an overpowering Titan offense.
It marked the second consecutive season in which the Titans opened up CCIW play with a victory over the Vikings, improving their record to 10-1 overall.
The team has shown an impressive ability to get all its players involved in the scoring attack. Players are expected to contribute on both sides, offensively and defensively. Senior Mary Kate Schmidt has been an active force in the Titans’ success, and this game was no different.
Senior Sydney Fox got the Titans on the board early in the first half off an assist from Schmidt. It was Fox’s ninth goal on the year, which not only leads the Titans, but puts her tied for 48th in the country. Fox has also contributed six assists thus far on the season for a total of 24 points.
“I’ve been able to find the back of the net this season, but I’ve gotten a lot of help from my teammates. I think part of the reason we are so successful is our selflessness,” Fox said.
It didn’t take more than 15 minutes for the Titans to double the lead. Senior Tess Bottorf beat the keeper with a well-placed header off of a cross from Fox.
Junior Allison Seger joined in on the scoring action in the 34th minute for her second goal on the year, putting the Titans up 3-0. If you blinked, you might have missed it all.
Despite a solid defensive effort, the Titans were unable to keep the clean sheet as sophomore Viking defender Samantha Farkos was able to find the back of the net in the closing minutes of the contest.
The Titans put up a solid defensive front, though, conceding only one corner kick. They did not give Augustana many chances, and that’s part of the reason the Titans have racked up a record of 10-1-0.
Firt-year goalkeeper Katie Denney went the entire 90 minutes in goal, making one save. Denney has started all eleven of the Titans games so far this year, giving up only three goals for a goal-against average of only .30.
“Katie played really well back there just as she has been all year. It was a great win to start conference, but there is still a lot of work to be done,” Bottorf said.
After last year’s devastating Final Four defeat, it’s clear that the Titans refuse to settle for anything less than redemption. IWU will resume CCIW play on Saturday, Oct. 10 against Carthage for Homecoming.