Final-Minute PK Shocks Statesmen

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Des Moines–The William Penn women’s soccer team played its rival even for over 89 minutes, but a controversial call doomed the squad in a 1-0 setback to Grand View in Heart of America Athletic Conference action Tuesday.

WPU (3-3, 0-2 Heart) and GVU (4-4, 1-1 Heart) was outshot just 12-9 and entered the final minute of regulation in a scoreless tie with the hosts. Unfortunately, the Vikings pushed the ball into the navy and gold’s box and drew a foul on the visitors.

That led to a penalty kick try and the shot slipped past Riley Ludwig (Jr., Big Bear City, Calif., Psychology). William Penn was unable to post an answer and walked off the pitch heartbroken.

Raunice Butler (Jr., Nassau, Bahamas, Physical Education) paced WPU with five shots (three on goal), while Graciela Belmontes (Sr., Salinas, Calif., Biology) added two more attempts.

Ludwig ended up with five saves Tuesday.

“This was a heart-breaking way for our ladies to end the night,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “They stuck to the game plan perfectly, but unfortunately, the decision at the end was the defining point of the game; it was a tough one to swallow. I am so proud of our effort. We left everything on the field and can go into Saturday’s game against Benedictine with a lot of confidence.”

Next Up: William Penn travels to Atchison, Kan. Saturday to face #15 Benedictine in Heart action at 5 p.m.