WPU Records 2-2 Draw with Graceland

Oskaloosa--The Statesmen women's soccer team had chances to get into the league's win column, but settled for a 2-2 tie with Graceland in Heart of America Athletic Conference action Saturday.

William Penn (3-3-1, 0-1-1 Heart) outshot the Yellowjackets 17-3, but fell behind early as GU (2-6-2, 0-2-1 Heart) scored in the fifth minute.

The home squad fortunately answered two minutes later.  A throw-in landed at the feet of Olivia Walker (So., Caro, Mich., Biology) who immediately pumped the ball out to Jacque Schwager (So., Bondurant, Iowa, Psychology and Human Services) for a centering pass.

Schwager's cross was perfectly placed and just before the Graceland goalkeeper could clear it, Lilly Cote (So., Sioux City, Iowa, Education) put her left foot on the ball and volleyed it into the netting to tie the score at the 7:10 mark.  The sophomore finished with four shots Saturday.

The visitors recaptured the lead in the 26th minute and went into the break ahead 2-1.  That margin stood through the first half of the second stanza, but Taylor Witthauer (Sr., Vancouver, Wash., Nursing) eventually tallied the equalizer.

The Yellowjackets, who were held without a shot in the second half, were unable to get the ball out of their defensive end.  Witthauer intercepted a pass, dribbled through a couple of players, and fired a shot past the goalie from 15 yards away.  The senior led WPU with eight offensive attempts.

William Penn tried valiantly to get the go-ahead score, producing seven more shots down the stretch, but to no avail as it tied for the first time this fall.

"I was not pleased at all with our first-half performance," Head Coach Andy Commins said.  "We made some adjustments at halftime and played much better after that.  Unfortunately, our difficulty in finishing our chances in front of the goal continued.  I am glad to get the tie, however, and we will get ready for our next challenge."

Next Up: In a rescheduled game from last Saturday, William Penn will travel to Baldwin City, Kan. next Wednesday to face Baker in Heart play at 6 p.m.