LIMA, Ohio. - It was great start to the season for No. 16 Indiana Wesleyan women's soccer after defeating University of Northwestern Ohio, 1-0. The game started with a defensive battle as neither side was able to get a shot off until Sarah Foulk got it going in the 15th minute with the first shot for the Wildcats in the new season. The momentum swung in favor of IWU as they kept control of the ball for most of the first half eventually finding the net in the 39th minute by a goal from Katelyn VanderArk off of an assist by Sarah Foulk to put IWU up 1-0. The second half showcased the Wildcat defense as they countered any attack by UNOH. Avery Sluss played a great game in net as she stops the only shot on goal by the Racers.

 

THE ESSENTIALS

• Location: Lima, Ohio | Racer Soccer Field 
• Records: IWU: 1-0 | UNOH: 0-1
• NAIA Top-25 Rankings: IWU - #16 | UNOH - Unranked

WHAT HAPPENED

• The first shot of the season and the game came in the 15th minute from Sarah Foulk.
• Freshman Katelyn VanderArk scored the first goal of the season for the Wildcats in the 39th minute off of an assist by Sarah Foulk, taking the lead 1-0.
• IWU defense held strong allowing only four shots and zero corner kicks from the Racers all night.
• Avery Sluss did a great job in net saving the only shot on goal against her and getting her first win of the new campaign.

NOTABLE NUMBERS

• 1: One save is all that's needed for Avery Sluss in goal and it's a game of firsts: first game, first win, and first collegiate goal for a freshman.
• 7: The Wildcats dominated the shots on goal stat with seven compared to one for the Racers of UNOH.
• 3: IWU women's soccer continues to play well in season openers with their third straight season opening win. 

VANDERARK PERSPECTIVE

• "It was the best game of my life," said Katelyn VanderArk. "It was so much fun playing with everyone and the energy was so high...best feeling ever!"

SEIFFERT PERSPECTIVE

• "Tonight was a good first start to the season. UNOH is a very strong and well-coached team so it was good to be able to go on the road and get the result. It's early in the year and we have a lot of progress that we still need to make, but all in all, I'm very pleased with our teams effort, focus, and work today."

LOOKING FORWARD

• IWU plays against No. 6 Aquinas College at home next Wednesday, Aug. 28th at 7:00 PM.
• Links for tickets, video, and stats are available at IWUWildcats.com.

FOLLOW THE WILDCATS

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