Grinnell Women’s Soccer Falls to Unbeaten Wisconsin-La Crosse, 5-0
GRINNELL, Iowa — The Grinnell College women’s soccer team faced an undefeated University of Wisconsin-La Crosse squad Tuesday, October 13th, falling 5-0 at Springer Field in Grinnell.
Wisconsin-La Crosse improved to 14-0-0 with the victory, while Grinnell dropped to 4-8-2 on the season.
The visiting Eagles took control early, scoring four goals in the opening 27 minutes of play.
Macy Evans opened the scoring at the 11:57 mark with her fourth goal of the season, assisted by Catherine Arnold.
Jillian Sawadski extended the lead to 2-0 at 19:11 with her seventh goal of the year. Less than two minutes later, Arnold scored an unassisted goal at 20:48 to give Wisconsin-La Crosse a 3-0 advantage.
Katelyn Studebaker added the fourth goal at 26:01, assisted by Grace Williams, sending the Eagles into halftime with a 4-0 lead.
Despite the early scoring, Grinnell goalkeeper Peyton Dixon remained busy throughout the first half, recording eight saves as Wisconsin-La Crosse finished the opening period with 16 shots, including 12 on goal.
Grinnell managed just one shot in the first half, a blocked attempt by Campbell Swaim.
The Pioneers showed improvement offensively after halftime, recording four shots in the second half while holding Wisconsin-La Crosse to three.
Addison Thornberg registered Grinnell’s first shot on goal at 69:13, forcing a save by Wisconsin-La Crosse goalkeeper Kayda Aeby.
Swaim followed with another shot on goal at 72:49, but Aeby made her second save of the afternoon.
Ak Klein and Sarah Travis also attempted shots for Grinnell during the second half, but neither found the target.
Wisconsin-La Crosse added its final goal with just over a minute remaining when Williams scored unassisted at 88:55, bringing the final score to 5-0.
For the match, Wisconsin-La Crosse held a 19-5 advantage in total shots and a 15-2 advantage in shots on goal. The Eagles also led in corner kicks, 8-3.
Dixon played the entire 90 minutes in goal for Grinnell, finishing with 10 saves despite allowing five goals.
Swaim led the Pioneers offensively with two shots, including one on goal. Thornberg recorded the team’s other shot on target, while Klein and Travis each finished with one shot.
Williams led Wisconsin-La Crosse with one goal, one assist, and three shots on goal. Arnold also contributed a goal and an assist, while Evans, Sawadski, and Studebaker each scored once.
Three Wisconsin-La Crosse goalkeepers combined for the shutout. Summer Nicolai earned the victory after playing the opening 37:17. Jordyn Young and Aeby completed the match, with Aeby recording both of the Eagles’ saves.
Grinnell’s defense improved considerably in the second half, limiting the Eagles to three shots compared to 16 in the opening period. The Pioneers also generated all three of their corner kicks after halftime.
The match drew an announced attendance of 150 spectators at Springer Field.
