Statesmen Shut Out Iowa Wesleyan 5-0
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–The William Penn women’s soccer team dominated in all aspects of play Thursday, defeating Iowa Wesleyan 5-0 in non-conference action.
WPU (3-1), which is off to its best four-game start since 2005 (3-0-1), outshot the Tigers 34-1 and scored all five of its goals before halftime. The five goals match a season high.
Despite being on the pitch for the first time in 11 days, the Statesmen showed no signs of rust. Raunice Butler (Jr., Nassau, Bahamas, Physical Education) gave them a score right out of the gate, putting an unassisted ball in the back of the netting just 78 seconds into the evening.
The junior doubled the advantage in the fifth minute with another unassisted goal; she now has a team-high four goals this fall.
Alexandra Benedict (Jr., Tustin, Calif., Sports Management), off a delivery from Francis Lee (Sr., Fort Dodge, Iowa, Exercise Science), made it 3-0 at the 15:26 mark. One minute later, Graciela Belmontes (Sr., Salinas, Calif., Biology) extended the edge, with the assist credited to Ashley Broeker (Jr., Ankeny, Iowa, Exercise Science). Benedict’s goal is her third of 2017, while Belmontes’ score is her first.
Justine Arguelles (Jr., Ventura, Calif., Biology) eventually capped the scoring in the 29th minute, matching Butler with an unassisted goal. It is her first ever goal in the navy and gold.
Riley Ludwig (Jr., Big Bear City, Calif., Psychology) posted a clean sheet (one save) for her first shutout as a Statesmen.
“The ladies played a good game tonight and it was nice to see a lot of goals on the scoresheet,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “We looked fresh and played some great soccer tonight. Our confidence is high and we look forward to starting conference play on Saturday.”
“A big thanks to all the staff and students for coming tonight,” Highcock added. “It was a fantastic environment and we hope to see everyone again on Saturday.”
Next Up: William Penn remains in Oskaloosa Saturday to host Evangel in its Heart of America Athletic Conference opener at 4:30 p.m.
