Statesmen Unable to Hold Off Culver-Stockton in Conference Opener

Canton, Mo.--The William Penn women's soccer team came up short in its Heart of America Athletic Conference opener, dropping a hard-fought 2-1 decision to Culver-Stockton Saturday.

The Statesmen (1-3-1, 0-1 Heart) were outshot 14-7 by the Wildcats (4-0-1, 1-0 Heart), who controlled much of the attack with a 7-3 edge in shots on goal.

WPU's defense held strong for most of the first half, but Culver-Stockton broke through just before the halftime whistle with a goal in the 45th minute. The Statesmen struggled to generate chances early, managing only two attempts in the period.

William Penn responded after the break. In the 50th minute, senior Lilly Cote (Sioux City, Iowa, Psychology) slotted home the equalizer off a setup from India Foger (Sr., Las Vegas, Nev., Psychology), leveling the match at 1-1.

The Wildcats quickly regained momentum, converting a penalty kick in the 73rd minute to move back in front. Despite five second-half shots, the Statesmen were unable to find another breakthrough.

Cote, Sian Bah (Sr., London, England, Political Science), and Anna Museler (Jr., Dresden, Germany, Engineering) paced the WPU attack with two shots apiece.

Next Up: William Penn continues conference play next Wednesday, traveling to Clarke for a 5 p.m. kickoff in Dubuque, Iowa.