LIMA, Ohio - No. 11 Indiana Wesleyan Women's Soccer got their season underway at the University of Northwestern Ohio on Thursday and collected its first win of 2026, 3-0. Carlie Grosser started the scoring off in the 31st minute followed by Sydney Couch in the 42nd. Later in the second half, Katelyn VanderArk extended the lead with the final goal in the 78th minute of play. The Wildcats have now beat the Racers in three consecutive seasons.
The first period of play saw the Wildcats find their rhythm in their first regular season game. A corner kick by Sam Anderson led to a nice pass by Dylan Gonzalez right to Carlie Grosser who scored the first goal of the game. IWU would take a two goal lead near the end of the half when Sydney Couch fired one in the net unassisted.
After the half, the Wildcats continued to press. They broke through once more in the 78th minute when Aliyah Denton assisted Katelyn VanderArk to put the finishing touches on the season opening victory.
THE ESSENTIALS
- Location: Lima, Ohio | Racer Stadium
- Records: IWU: 1-0-0 (0-0-0) | UNOH: 0-1-0 (0-0-0)
- NAIA Top-25 Poll: IWU - #11 | UNOH - Unranked
WHAT HAPPENED
- The first goal of the game was put in by sophomore Carlie Grosser after a Sam Anderson corner kick and a quick pass from Dylan Gonzalez. For the second season in a row, Grosser has scored the first goal for the Wildcats.
- Sydney Couch put one in the back of the net in the 43rd minute to give IWU the 2-0 lead. Couch has scored twice against UNOH in three career games.
- Junior Katelyn VanderArk scored the third and final goal of the game, assisted by Aliyah Denton.
- The IWU defense only allowed 5 shots and Avery Sluss picks up the clean sheet win with only 1 save needed.
NOTABLE NUMBERS
- 11: IWU outshot the Racers 11-5 with shots spreading evenly between the two halves.
- 3: Sydney Couch led the team with 3 shots, all landing on frame and scoring 1.
SHAY PERSPECTIVE
- "Getting a win against a good side feels great to start off the season, but this team is focused on so much more than soccer," said head coach Hannah Shay. "Our senior class is full of strong leaders who want to show the love of Christ through the way we compete and interact with opponents. It's a privilege to coach such an amazing group of young women who are leading the program in the right direction, and I'm excited to see them continue the good work that God has called them to this season."
LOOKING FORWARD
- IWU will play its home opener this Saturday at 1:00 PM against Saint Xavier.
- Links for tickets, stats, and video are available at IWUWildcats.com.
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