First Shutout of Campaign for WPU

William Penn Womens Soccer vs St. Mary

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen defense matched an impressive offensive showing in a 3-0 defeat of non-conference foe St. Mary (Kan.) in women’s soccer action Wednesday.

William Penn (3-4), winners of three straight for the first time since September 2009, outshot the Spires 20-6.

Kirsty Fraser (Sr., Perth, Australia, Elementary Education) put her team on the board in the 24th minute on a set piece that was started by Savannah Padilla (Fr., Mesa, Ariz., Sociology). It was her first goal of 2013.

WPU doubled the margin less than two minutes later when Emmanuela Meneide (Sr., Turks and Caicos, Biology) scored off a passing combination that included Fraser and Silvia Munoz (So., Paramount, Calif., Elementary Education). Meneide now has three goals this fall.

Alyce Correia (Fr., Perth, Australia, Elementary Education), the team leader in goals with four, finally recorded the squad’s third score in the 89th minute. Kate Thayer (So., East Fremantle, Australia, Physical Education) notched the assist.

Laura Gentry (Sr., Fruitland, Idaho, Physical Education) earned her first career shutout with one save. The shutout is William Penn’s first since dropping Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) 6-0 back on September 9 of last year.

“We played very well against a tough team tonight who did not give us much room for error,” Head Coach Willie McGowan said. “I feel we are starting to play more as a team and that showed as we created a number of good chances. Had we connected on a few more I think we could have come away with a more convincing victory.”

“I give a lot of credit to our defensive unit as we got our first shutout of the year,” McGowan added. “They have played well the last few games, so it was great for them to see their hard work be rewarded tonight.”

Next: William Penn travels to Yankton, S.D. Saturday to face Mount Marty in non-conference play at 1 p.m.