Statesmen Succumb to Mustangs in Road Matchup

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Cedar Rapids–The William Penn women’s soccer team was looking to turn around its bad fortunes away from home, but came up short in a 2-1 Heart of America Athletic Conference setback to Mount Mercy Wednesday.

WPU (5-7-1, 1-6 Heart), which is fighting for its postseason life in the final weeks of the regular season, was outshot 16-7 and fell behind via an MMU goal in the 38th minute.

The Mustangs (6-5-2, 3-4 Heart) doubled the margin at the 54:57 mark, but the navy and gold made it interesting late. Following a Mount Mercy foul in the box, Ashley Broeker (Sr., Ankeny, Iowa, Exercise Science) cashed in on a penalty kick to cut the deficit to 2-1 with 9:48 left in regulation. The goal is Broeker’s second of the fall.

Anna Matthew (Fr., Glendale Heights, Ill., Biology) headed the Statesmen with two shots, while Hayley Brothers (Fr., Bonner Springs, Kan., Exercise Science) finished with seven saves between the pipes.

“We struggled against a new and improved Mount Mercy team,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “We had some good moments in the game, but failed to create any good opportunities. We look forward to putting on a good performance for Homecoming Saturday.”

Next Up: William Penn returns home Saturday to host #9 Benedictine in Heart play at 11 a.m.