WPU Falls 4-1 to Benedictine

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen women’s soccer team fell short of a signature win, falling to a tough Benedictine program 4-1 in Heart of America Athletic Conference action Tuesday.

William Penn (2-5-1, 2-2-1 Heart) was outshot by the Ravens (7-4, 4-1-0 Heart) 21-5, including an 11-1 deficit in shots on goal.

The navy and gold kept the visitors off the board for the first 28 minutes of play, but unfortunately the Ravens finally broke through at the 28:18 mark. The Statesmen struggled to get anything going, only attempting three shots the whole first half.

After the break, WPU was able to tally the equalizer as Taylor Witthauer (Jr., Vancouver, Wash., Nursing) took advantage of a handball violation on BC in the box and put away a penalty kick to knot the score at 1-1 with 24 minutes remaining. The goal is Witthauer’s fourth of the season.

Benedictine would not be denied, however, recording the go-ahead score three minutes later and then managing an insurance goal at the 82:29 mark. The Statesmen had a couple of late chances to find the netting, but could not finish.

Witthauer topped William Penn with three shots, while Mia Ammons (Fr., Black Diamond, Wash., Business Management) and Lacie Kirkle (So., Altoona, Iowa, Undecided) both added one try. The defense was paced by goalkeeper Madeline Danielson (So., La Crescent, Minn., Exercise Science) who had seven saves.

“Tonight was a great learning experience for our team.” Said Head Coach Andy Commins “Our freshman continues to grow and to learn and we continue to improve. We have a tough run of games ahead of us, but I have full faith that this group will meet the challenge head on and play good soccer.”

Next Up: William Penn will remain in Oskaloosa Saturday for Homecoming to take on Missouri Valley in Heart play at 11 a.m.