WPU Falls 2-1 to Grand View

Des Moines–The William Penn women’s soccer team scored early against rival Grand View, but could not get another tally on the board in a 2-1 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss Tuesday.

The Statesmen (2-5, 0-2 Heart), who remain winless in league play, were outshot 16-6, including a 12-4 mark in shots on goal.

The first shot of the night was produced by the visitors as an attempt by Iris Navarro (So., Ontario, Calif., Biology) in the first minute was saved. Then in the 10th minute, via a failed corner kick attempt, the ball bounced around near the top of the box, with the last touch coming off the head of Taylor Witthauer (So., Vancouver, Wash., Nursing) and finally to the feet of Bailey Lawrence (Fr., Ankeny, Iowa, Business Management). The freshman sent it to the far post and past the Grand View goalkeeper for the early 1-0 advantage.

It is the first collegiate goal for Lawrence.

The Vikings (6-2, 3-0 Heart) answered back in the 20th minute and the teams headed to intermission tied at 1-1.

WPU came up empty on the offensive end in the second half with just one shot in the opening moments. Unfortunately, the hosts were more successful moving the ball around and notched the eventual game-winner in the 68th minute.

The Statesmen were unable to record an equalizer and suffered the setback. After winning two out of three contests in the series, William Penn has now lost three in a row.

Witthauer and Navarro guided the navy and gold with two shots each, while Katja Bierman (So., Alkmaar, The Netherlands, Digital Communication) managed eight saves.

“We did not get the result we wanted, but we fought hard for 90 minutes,” Head Coach Andy Commins said. “Every game is a step forward and I know our time is coming.”

Next Up: William Penn returns to Oskaloosa Saturday to face #8 Central Methodist in Heart play at 3 p.m.