MARION, Ind. - After a long, hard-fought 90 minutes, the No. 14-ranked Wildcats came up with their second draw of the season against the No. 7-ranked University of Tennessee Southern on Saturday. Although the first half ended 0-0, the IWU attack was busy against a drop back Firehawks defense with six shots to end the half. Intensity rose in the second half as efficient defense was played on both sides of the pitch. Two pinnacle saves in the 81st and 82nd minutes by freshman Avery Sluss kept the Wildcats tied with under 10 minutes to go.
- Location: Marion, Ind. | Wildcat Soccer Field
- Records: IWU - 1-0-2 | UTS - 2-0-1
- NAIA Top-25 Rankings: IWU - #14 | UTS - #7
- The Wildcat offense began the game on the go, with junior Jackie Norris going for goal early in the fifth minute.
- Senior Mallory Krueger sent in a solid cross for a potential goal chance in the 47th minute.
- Freshman Avery Sluss contributed two important saves in the 81st and 82nd minutes to keep the Wildcat draw alive.
- 9: Freshman Goalkeeper Avery Sluss had nine saves to finish the day, which covered 3/4 of the Firehawks' 12 shots.
- 6: The Wildcats ended with six shots on goal of their ten shots.
- 3: Three Wildcats stayed on the field the entire 90 minutes, leading to eight substitutions throughout the game, utilizing the bench heavy.
- "Tonight felt a little bit like what a national tournament game should feel like," said Daniel Seiffert, Head Women's Soccer Coach. "It was good for our players to see early on what the intensity and skill level is going be when playing against these types of high level programs. We definitely have a ways to go still, but there are some positive things we will be able to build off of. Looking forward to getting back to work on Monday."
- IWU will go on the road and face Indiana University East on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
- Links for video and stats will be available at IWUWildcats.com
#
