GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - No. 11 Women's Soccer traveled north to Grand Rapids to take on the No. 7 ranked Saints of Aquinas College. The opening half saw the Wildcats applying consistent pressure on the AQ defense, with junior Sydney Couch leading the charge with several shot attempts. Despite numerous efforts on goal, Indiana Wesleyan was unable to get past the Saint's goalkeeper. On the other side, Avery Sluss maintained a steady presence in goal for IWU, matching the opposing keeper's performance with a save in the 39th minute, keeping the game scoreless at the break. The second half started with some pressure from Aquinas but Sluss was able to reel in a close header attempt from in the box. The Wildcats would break the deadlock with a decisive goal in the 71st minute by Tylar Whitaker, assisted by Carlie Grosser. This is Whitaker's third goal of the year and Grosser's first collegiate assist. Indiana Wesleyan's attack pressed consistently after the goal, however were unable to find the net again. This is IWU's highest ranked win since 2023 when they defeated No. 4 Marian, 1-0.



THE ESSENTIALS

• Location: Grand Rapids, Mich. | Aquinas College Athletic Field
• Records: IWU: 6-1-0 (0-0-0) | AQ: 1-2-0 (0-0-0)
• NAIA Top-25 Poll: IWU - #11 | AQ - #7

WHAT HAPPENED

• The Wildcats shot often, forcing the Aquinas defense to work hard and the goalkeeper to make save after save.
• IWU got off 8 shots in the first half, led by Couch with 3 of her own, but both teams went into the half tied at 0.
• AQ tried to take the lead early in the second period, but IWU's Sluss made a crucial save in the 46th minute.
• Freshman forward Tylar Whitaker broke the deadlock with the game winning goal in the 71st minute, assisted by fellow freshman forward Carlie Grosser, putting Indiana Wesleyan ahead 1-0.
• The IWU defense stifled the last attacks from the Saints to prevent a tie.

• Shutout win
• 4 saves

• 1 game-winning goal
• 1 shot on goal

• First career assist
• 3 shots, 2 shots landing on frame

NOTABLE NUMBERS

• 3: Whitaker joins Grosser and Couch with 3 goals on the season.
• 61%: IWU's offense took it to the AQ defense with a 61% Shot on goal percentage as a team.
• 7: Aquinas College is ranked No. 7 in the NAIA, which marks the highest ranked opponent the Wildcats have beaten since September 23, 2023 at No. 4 Marian University.

• "This game was a great reminder that our strength comes from the Lord," said Head Coach Shay. "We've had a few injuries this week and some sickness across the team, but the girls were focused on giving it their best effort despite the fatigue. Tylar scored a beautiful goal to give us the lead, and our defensive unit dominated in the air. I could name so many players who played great games today. It really was a full team effort, and I'm so proud of the entire group!" 

LOOKING FORWARD

• The Wildcats take an eleven day break before hosting their first conference game against Spring Arbor on September 24 starting at 7:00 PM.
• Links for video, stats, and tickets are be available at IWUWildcats.com.

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