Butler Scores Twice as Statesmen Upset Missouri Valley

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Marshall, Mo.–Raunice Butler (Jr., Nassau, Bahamas, Physical Education) put two free kicks into the back of the net as the William Penn women’s soccer team knocked off Missouri Valley 2-1 in Heart of America Athletic Conference action Tuesday.

WPU (7-5, 4-4 Heart) won despite being outshot 19-5. At 7-5, it is the team’s best start through 12 games since 2005 (7-4-1). The squad’s four league wins also already match its victory total from last year.

Raunice Butler (Jr., Nassau, Bahamas, Physical Education) broke a scoreless tie when the visitors earned a penalty kick. She clipped the post, but the ball ricocheted in for the 1-0 advantage at the 31:33 mark.

The lead stood until the latter part of the night. Unfortunately, the Vikings (6-5-1, 4-2-1 Heart), who entered the contest tied for second in the league, knotted it up in the 75th minute.

Butler answered just 2:02 down the road, however, when she delivered a free kick past the MVC keeper for the eventual game-winner. The junior now has 10 goals in 2017.

Riley Ludwig (Jr., Big Bear City, Calif., Psychology) and her teammates made it hold up over the final 14 minutes; Ludwig finished with 10 saves in the victory.

“This was an absolutely fantastic performance from our ladies,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “Missouri Valley is a very tough place to play and we gave everything we could. We stuck to the game plan and defended with concentration and focus throughout. We took the chances that came our way and were fully deserving of the victory.”

Next Up: William Penn travels to Atchison, Kan. Saturday to face Baker in Heart action at 5 p.m.