Rachel Allen(left) is swarmed by defenders Olivia Roseman(middle) and Emilye Denny (right). The Tiger’s return to Reavis Stadium Saturday against North Central College at 2 p.m..
Illinois Wesleyan University sealed their victory over DePauw on Wednesday night after a late goal scored with 1:39 remaining. With this loss, the Tigers' record dropped to 1-1.
“Wednesday's game was a big learning experience for us," said Head Coach Julie Sargent. "We learned that we have to have a presence on the field for a full 60 minutes, and never to underestimate our opponents."
Illinois Wesleyan jumped ahead quickly, netting three goals within the first three minutes. One of the goals was scored inside the first 55 seconds of the match. They converted two more within 40 seconds of each other.
Junior attack Taylor Summers received the wake up call, however, and was able to put an end to the Tigers’ scoring drought just minutes later.
The Titans attempted to reassert their dominance, retaliating against Summers’ goal with one of their own.
With a 4-1 deficit and 18:30 remaining in the half, the Tigers thought it was time to make moves.
Sophomore attack and leading scorer Emma Flynn took over, scoring three goals within the final 13 minutes of the half. Junior attack Nicole Gibson and first-year Madi Lozanoski were each able to add one each to the scorecard before the half ended as well.
At the first half’s close, DePauw had managed to fight back and lead the Titans with a score of 6-4. The second half, however, told a different story.
“While there were some great moments, we also had moments where we gave up easy passes and lost our drive and focus,” Sargent said.
The Titans evened the score early in the half, but Flynn retaliated with a goal to maintain a one-point lead in the Tigers’ advantage.
But Illinois Wesleyan tied it up again with 12 minutes remaining. The final blow was delivered with just under two minutes left in the game.
Illinois Wesleyan’s leading scorer managed to net the game winner in the 58th minute, ending the back-and-forth battle in the Titans' favor.
“When we lose such a close game, it only makes us that much more determined to win and play a full 60 minutes in our next game,” said junior defender Stefanie Buffa.
Junior midfielder Emily Scinta echoed similar sentiments.
“We are not going to let this loss get our spirits down," she said. "Losing is never fun, but it's the losses that make you a better team because you can learn from them.”
Flynn paced the Tigers with her four goals, while Gibson tallied one goal and three assists.
On the defensive side, junior goalkeeper Liz Hawkins recorded eight saves, while Buffa and Scinta each collected two ground balls.
The Tigers had a total of 19 shots, 16 of which were on goal, and were able to win 12 out of the 17 draws presented.
DePauw resumes play this Saturday against the visiting North Central Cardinals. Faceoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Reavis Stadium.
“In our first few games we have time to learn from our mistakes and iron out all of the wrinkles,” Buffa said. “I’m excited to see the team readjust and come home with a 'W' on Saturday.”