The University of Indianapolis women’s soccer team continued Great Lakes Valley Conference play against McKendree University on Sunday, Oct. 11, and the University of Illinois Springfield on Friday, Oct. 9. The game against McKendree ended in a draw, 1-1. The Greyhounds topped UIS 1-0 in overtime.
While facing McKendree, the Bearcats were on the board first at 17:09. the score stood at 1-0 in favor of the Bearcats until three minutes into the second half.
Greyhound freshman midfield/back Sierra Singer’s shot found the back of the net after a pass from junior forward Jocelyn Evans.
In the 62nd minute Evans’ shot found the back of the net, but the goal was quickly called back after a offsides whistle.
UIndy had 17 shots, with 10 shots on goal.
While facing UIS, the Greyhounds recognized TeamIMPACT player Rory Halbert. Halbert got her first start as a Hound, and in the process saw her teammates end an eight game winless stretch.
UIndy outshot the Prairie Stars 19-5, with 11 of the shots on goal. Freshman midfield/forward Stephanie Burdsall led the team with five shots.
Despite the numerous shots, the Greyhounds and Prairie Stars headed in to overtime with a score of 0-0. Sophomore back/forward Kelsey Miller sent a ball deep to Burdsall in the 96th minute to finish the game with a Greyhound goal.
UIndy headed to Louisville on Oct. 4 to face Bellarmine University. The Greyhounds held off the Knights for the first half, but a second half goal by junior forward Mary Beth Gorham cost the Greyhounds the game.
Freshman midfield/forward Michele Govern made the first attempt at goal for the Greyhounds during the 21st minute but was stopped by the Knights’ keeper. Later, Burdsall had the chance to even the score during the 71st minute but was turned away.
UIndy traveled against the University of Southern Indiana on Oct. 2. The Greyhounds out shot USI 20-6 but were unable to find the back of the net. The Hounds had 12 shots in the last 33 minutes of the match, including 5 shots on goal. Burdsall led the Hounds with four shots and two on goal.
UIndy allowed one USI goal that would turn out to be the game winner. Screaming Eagles senior forward Madi Vellky scored on the Greyhounds in the 56th minute.
Despite the losses, junior goalkeeper Emma Crenshaw was able to take away positives from the two games.
“This weekend, I think it was a big step for us. We dominated Southern Indiana, but the first half was disappointing that we couldn’t execute. Once they get that goal in it’s hard to get your head up and keep fighting, but we did,” Crenshaw said. “Sunday’s game against Bellarmine was great. They’re a great team. They worked hard, but I think we worked harder. I think we also deserved the win there, but it comes down to executing, and it comes down to defensively not giving up those goals.”
Reflecting on the game against USI Head Women’s Soccer Coach Holly Cox said the team had played some of its best soccer all season.
“Friday’s [Oct. 2] game was a little bit disappointing. We went into it very well prepared. We’ve always battled back from when we’re down, but it’s just disappointing when you go down and you’ve got the run of the game and the run of the play, especially for the first half,” Cox said. “I would honestly say the first half of Southern Indiana is some of the best soccer we’ve played this season.”
Cox said the Greyhounds expect to continue improving as the season goes along. Cox said she wants to challenge the team with competition to get the results that they want. They are going to focus on shooting and finishing drills in practice, as well as working on their defense.
“I think we’ve prepared well for each game, it’s just the final product — putting the ball in the back of the net — that’s kind of letting us down at the moment,” Cox said.
UIndy will travel to Kansas City, Mo. on Friday, Oct. 16 to compete against Rockhurst University beginning at 6 p.m.
