WPU’s Year Ends in Play-In Round
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Lamoni–The William Penn women’s soccer team failed to avenge an earlier-season loss as it concluded 2018 with a 4-1 setback to #7 seed Graceland in the play-in round of the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament Tuesday.
The 10th-seeded Statesmen (8-10-1), which was defeated by Graceland (7-10) earlier this month, was looking to extend its campaign to the quarterfinals, but never could get the offense going in being outshot 10-2.
The contest remained a scoreless tie until the latter minutes of the first half. The host Yellowjackets then opened floodgates with a goal at the 39:16 mark. Another tally came just four minutes later to make it 2-0 at the break.
GU added two more scores in the latter period before Raunice Butler (Sr., Nassau, Bahamas, Physical Education) finally got her squad on the board with an unassisted goal at the 72:53 juncture. Unfortunately, the team could get no closer. Butler’s goal was her fifth of the fall.
Hayley Brothers (Fr., Bonner Springs, Kan., Exercise Science) recorded two saves in 63 minutes of work as the starter, while Adyson Blom (Fr., Newton, Iowa, Human Services and Sociology) also made an appearance as a relief goalkeeper.
“We came up against a strong Graceland team tonight,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “Unfortunately, we did not have our best performance. I am extremely proud of our ladies, though, as they did a fantastic job to extend their season. The staff and seniors have given their all this season; we had some big wins along the way. They should be proud of how they have left the program.”
The loss ends the collegiate careers of Justine Arguelles (Ventura, Calif., Biology), Hannah Baker (Adelaide, Australia, Biology), Alexandra Benedict (Tustin, Calif., Sports Management), Ashley Broeker (Ankeny, Iowa, Exercise Science), Butler, Laura Cartwright (Brisbane, Australia, Business Management), and Jeannie Soto (Woodbridge, Va., Business Management).
