WPU Drops 2-0 Contest to Mustangs

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen women’s soccer team suffered a letdown Wednesday by falling 2-0 to Mount Mercy in Heart of America Athletic Conference action.

William Penn (8-7-1, 4-6-1 Heart) entered the contest having already locked up a Heart Tournament berth, but was looking to go in with a full head of steam. While Wednesday’s result was a step in the other direction, the navy and gold can still earn a home game for next Wednesday’s play-in round by beating Culver-Stockton Saturday. The teams face off at 5 p.m. on Senior Night; the 2017 senior class will be recognized before the game.

The hosts were outshot 13-9 Wednesday with Mariah Voight (Jr., La Mesa, Calif., Psychology and Sociology) leading the way with four attempts (two on goal).

The Mustangs (7-10, 2-9 Heart), who have been eliminated from postseason contention, played the role of spoiler well, scoring both of their goals in the early minutes of both halves. MMU went on top in the fifth minute and then doubled the edge in the opening seconds of the second stanza.

Riley Ludwig (Jr., Big Bear City, Calif., Psychology) finished with five saves in the loss.

“Unfortunately, this was not a good performance by us,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “We started both halves slowly and that led to both of their goals. The best team won tonight and we will have to learn from our mistakes. We will move on and look to finish the regular season strong Saturday.”