Statesmen Slip by Mount Mercy

Cedar Rapids–Ouriya Maiga (So., Opelousas, La., Biology) found an opportune time to score her first career goal as the William Penn women’s soccer team shut out Mount Mercy 1-0 in Heart of America Athletic Conference action Tuesday.

WPU (3-10, 2-9 Heart) earned its first shutout of the season, recording 17 shots, while limiting the Mustangs (1-8, 0-8 Heart) to five attempts.

With over two-thirds of the game in the books, the Statesmen were dead-locked with the hosts, but a corner from Taylor Witthauer (Fr., Vancouver, Wash., Nursing) set up the first and only score of the night.

Witthauer, who led the navy and gold with four shots, sent a beautiful ball into the box. It was headed by Sydney Estrada (Jr., Glendora, Calif., Biology), but saved by the MMU goalkeeper into the crossbar. The ball deflected off the bar and Maiga put a head on the rebound, putting it into the netting at the 67:03 mark.

The visitors continued to pressure Mount Mercy, adding a couple more shots on goal in the late minutes. None helped the Statesmen to double their advantage, but WPU’s defense was stout as it hung on for the win.

Kaitlin Falaney (So., Ottawa, Ill., Sports Management) and Morgan McClendon (Sr., St. Joseph, Mo., Sports Management) each tacked on two shots, while Katja Bierman (Fr., Colorado Springs, Colo., Digital Communication) produced one save in the victory.

“Our ladies were really exciting to watch today,” Head Coach Jack Hartley said. “They worked hard on both sides of the ball and put together a very complete performance. We created some good chances against a team that is hard to break down. I am proud of our team for not panicking, sticking to the game plan, and keeping our foot on the gas.”

Next Up: William Penn concludes its fall season next Wednesday by traveling to Olathe, Kan. to face MidAmerica Nazarene in Heart play at 2 p.m.