Burlington, IA. -- Principia traveled to Iowa Friday for a conference matchup against Iowa Wesleyan Saturday at 1:00 pm. With chilly temperatures, coaches layered up and brave fans came out to support the Panthers.
The women's team did not have a quality first half. Iowa Wesleyan played with heart and determination and grit while Principia had better skills but no fight.
The second half Principia executed better. Exploiting open space and more creative runs with the continued stalwart defense led by
Tara Adhikari and
Kiona Sperr, Principia had a much improved second half.
Sarai Marcano got the game-winner scoring 6 minutes in off of a deflection. Iowa Wesleyan kept fighting though and forced another 20 minutes to pass before
Maddie Wann got her first goal (of two on the day) on a pass from
Annika Friborg.
Sophie Hills found the back of the net and two minutes later, shortly before the final whistle, Wann put away her second and the final goal of the game. Principia finished on top 4-0.
Hannah Hathaway recorded the shutout.
Highlight:
An opposing, knowledgeable fan complemented Head Coach
Meagan Fleming on the fine sportsmanship she and her team demonstrated - beginning, but not limited to, with playing down a man just as Iowa Wesleyan did.
Up next:
Tuesday Principia hosts Eureka College in Elsah at 5:15 pm as they look to finish the last two weeks of regulation strong.
