Statesmen Dominate in Season-Opening Shutout

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–The William Penn women’s soccer team rolled to an easy win in its 2018 season opener, dropping Waldorf 5-0 in non-conference action Wednesday.

WPU (1-0), which outshot the Warriors 29-0, scored just once in the first half, but erupted for four goals in just over 21 minutes after intermission to start 1-0 for the third time in four campaigns.

The hosts got on the board at the 33:15 mark when Alexandra Benedict (Sr., Tustin, Calif., Sports Management) drove in a pass from Raunice Butler (Sr., Nassau, Bahamas, Physical Education). Despite recording 14 shots in the initial stanza, that was all the scoring the navy and gold could muster early on.

Anna Matthew (Fr., Glendale Heights, Ill., Biology) did all of her damage without help, making it 2-0 in the 47th minute; she later scored unassisted again in the 64th minute to extend the advantage to 4-0.

Tori Teanio (Fr., Hilo, Hawaii, Physical Education) recorded a goal between Matthew’s strikes at the 49:18 mark, while Benedict matched Matthew with two tallies, finishing off an assist from Matthew in the 68th minute.

Five different William Penn players produced three shots, including the aforementioned quartet as well as Hannah Baker (Sr., Adelaide, Australia, Biology) (three attempts).

Hayley Brothers (Fr., Bonner Springs, Kan., Exercise Science) was untested in her collegiate debut to earn the shutout.

“This was a strong win for us,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “We created plenty of chances and should have scored many more goals. Harder challenges will be ahead, but I thought we played a very strong game. The ideas and tactics became obvious and we are looking forward to the rest of the season. We would like to thank everyone for coming out and providing a great atmosphere.”

Next Up: The Statesmen travel to Chicago, Ill. Saturday to face Robert Morris in non-conference action at 11 a.m.