ST. LOUIS, MO. - The Panthers travelled down to St. Louis tonight to take on #1 ranked Division III women's soccer team, the Washington University Bears. The Bears are known for running through everything and for their relentless work ethic on the field. The Panthers entered the game knowing they'd have to be defensively tight and ready to counter attack. As the game commenced, Wash U pressured the Panthers constantly, but Principia's back four, senior center back Becca DeNicholas, senior right back Kenzie Keller, sophomore center back Rachel Perea, and freshman left back Clarice Bruch, held a tight line and caught the Bears off-side multiple times, thwarting the Bears' offensive strategy of through balls. However, the Bears capitalized on their set pieces, scoring three goals off of corner kicks and then two regular play goals all in the first half. Going into half time the Bears were up 5-0. 

As the second half began, the Panthers knew their job was to run through the ball, make quicker decisions, and challenge the Bears physically in every situation. Bruch, and freshman left forward Tanya Marquardt, stepped up their aggressiveness, running through both player and ball, and winning hard tackles. Center midfielders Gabby Martin, Nadine Marczi and sophomore, Sam Bronkar, did a better job in the second half cutting off passing lanes, doubling down and ultimately winning the ball back for the Panthers. Up top, freshman, Emelie Fredrikson did a good job of holding onto the ball for Principia and switching the field. In goal, sophomore goal keeper Genevieve Smith was aggressive off her line, and kept the Bears goal-less in the second half. However, the Panthers were never able to penetrate into the Bears' 18. The game ended 5-0. 

The Panthers play their first conference match this Saturday at home against Eureka College at 1:00pm.