Indiana Wesleyan University

SPRING ARBOR, Mich. - No. 4 Indiana Wesleyan Women's Soccer traveled to Spring Arbor University for its first Crossroads League match of the season on Wednesday evening. After battling back-and-forth all match, IWU was able to put in the winning goal late in the game to win 3-2. The Wildcats pull out another top 25 victory on the year and recorded their first win over SAU since the 2021 season.
 
The Cougars struck first with a goal from Kayla Baar in the 13th minute. However, IWU would tie it up when Sydney Couch fired one in after a touch pass from fellow senior Alyssa Hamann. After a hard fought first half, the teams entered halftime in a deadlocked contest. 20 minutes into the second period, Anna Pettitt took a free kick from the SAU half and Avery Williams flew in to header the kick just past the goalkeeper to take the lead. The lead was not safe, as the Cougars found the net again to equalize the score once more with just under 13 minutes to play. Under a minute later, Katelyn VanderArk ended up being the hero for Indiana Wesleyan as she was able to score the game winner.



THE ESSENTIALS

• Location: Spring Arbor, Mich. | Cougar Soccer Complex
• Records: IWU: 9-0-1 (1-0-0) | SAU: 6-2-1 (0-1-0)
• NAIA Top 25 Poll: IWU - #4 | SAU - #16

• SAU took the 1-0 lead in the 13th minute.
• Sydney Couch equaled the score at 1 in the 17th minute, assisted by Alyssa Hamann.
• IWU took its first lead when Avery Williams headed in a free kick taken by senior Anna Pettitt in the 66th minute.
• The Cougars tied it once more in the 78th minute.
• However, junior Katelyn VanderArk scored the game winner under a minute later to give IWU the win.

• 5: Avery Williams and Katelyn VanderArk are both tied for 2nd on the Wildcats with 5 goals on the year.
• 3: Senior Sydney Couch scored her 3rd goal of the season in the first half.
• 6: Avery Sluss made 6 saves against the No. 16 team in the nation.

• "You can't beat this kind of soccer; it was such a great way to start out conference play," said forward Katelyn VanderArk. "It is such a fun atmosphere to play in with the best teammates in the world. These types of gritty games are what make a championship team! We fought until the last whistle and battled back after every setback we had. I am so proud of our team!"

• The Wildcats battle cross-town rival, Taylor, at home on Saturday at 1:00 PM.
• Links for tickets, video, and stats are available at IWUWildcats.com.

• Follow Athletics (@IWUWildcats): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
• Follow Men's Soccer (@IWUSoccer): Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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