Butler’s PK Goals Lead WPU Past Storm
William Penn defeated Simpson on Saturday 3-1 in non-conference action.
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–Thanks to a pair of ‘free’ chances, the Statesmen women’s soccer team got back on the winning trail with a 3-1 win over Simpson in non-conference action Saturday.
Due to an officiating schedule mishap, the game started over an hour later than originally scheduled, but that did not seem to affect William Penn (4-1-1), which outshot the Storm 18-8.
The Statesmen broke through in the 24th minute when Anna Matthew (Fr., Glendale Heights, Ill., Biology) struck a shot just outside of the box that bounced past the visiting keeper. The freshman now has a team-high nine goals this year.
Just eight minutes later at the 31:57 mark, a handball was called on Simpson (1-5). Raunice Butler (Sr., Nassau, Bahamas, Physical Education) was chosen to take the try and she put it away.
The navy and gold entered halftime still ahead by two goals and continued to keep SC off the board until early in the second stanza, when in the 59th minute, the Storm cut the margin in half.
Fortunately, another foul in the box was whistled on Simpson with just over 10 minutes to play and Butler put the insurance goal in the bank with her second penalty kick of the night. With the scores, the senior has lifted her goals tally to three.
Butler finished the contest with eight shots, while Matthew added six more.
Adyson Blom (Fr., Newton, Iowa, Human Services and Sociology), who only permitted a deflected free kick to sneak in, wrapped up the victory with two saves.
“This was a very pleasing and positive performance for us,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “We played some great soccer and can be happy with the win. We now move into the conference season full of confidence. I would like to thank everyone for their great support today.”
Next Up: William Penn remains in Oskaloosa next Wednesday to host Clarke in its Heart of America Athletic Conference opener at 5 p.m. The contest will also serve as Senior Night.
