WOMEN’S SOCCER

The HU women’s soccer team was a minute away from a result against one of the nation’s top teams in #11 Marian (12-2-3, 5-2-2) Saturday afternoon at St. Vincent but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. All tied up at 1-1, the Knights scored on a corner kick with :46 ticks remaining for a 2-1 victory much to the chagrin of the visitors who were hoping to play spoiler to MU’s Senior Day.

The host got on the board in the 17th minute for an early 1-0 advantage. They rode their lead until Sophie Shepherd found side netting with less than 15 minutes remaining to draw things even at 1-1. The freshman forward tracked down a long pass over the top of the Marian defenders from Paige Weiss and then blasted a crisp shot far post for her sixth goal in green and white.

The Knights kept Ireland Aerni busy by firing off 23 shots, 12 of which were on target. The junior keeper finished with nine saves, several of which were dynamic.

The Foresters’ play against some of the nation’s best this season has been exceptional with today’s loss another example. Against Spring Arbor (ranked 2nd at the time), IWU (ranked 7th at the time) and now Marian (currently ranked 11th), HU has played within a goal of each.

With today’s loss, HU wraps up the regular season with an overall record of 6-10-1. They finish CL action with a 2-7 record for the eighth spot in the final standings. Play-offs start Saturday. Huntington is slated to take on top-seeded Spring Arbor in the quarterfinal action.