WAUKESHA, Wis. – Carroll University women's soccer made the most of its opportunities Saturday afternoon, scoring on all three of its shots on goal to earn a 3-2 CCIW victory over Illinois Wesleyan at Schneider Stadium. The win moves Carroll to 3-5-7 overall and 2-2-1 in conference play.
Illinois Wesleyan applied much of the pressure throughout the opening half, but Carroll goalkeeper Ava Lewandowski stood tall in net. Lewandowski made five first-half saves as the Pioneers kept the Titans off the scoreboard despite being outshot 8-2 over the opening 45 minutes.
Carroll eventually turned one of its limited first-half opportunities into the game's opening goal. Michaela Williamson, who entered off the bench in the 32nd minute, found the back of the net at the 40:46 mark off an assist from Carmella Nowak. The goal was Williamson's first of the season and sent the Pioneers into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
The Pioneers doubled their advantage in the 64th minute when Harlie Seuser scored her third goal of the season off an assist from Gabby Courtois, giving Carroll a 2-0 lead. Illinois Wesleyan answered just 17 seconds later, however, as Ava Mapes scored to bring the Titans back within one.
Carroll responded with what ultimately proved to be the game-winner less than eight minutes later. Ellie Pierson struck for her fourth goal of the season in the 72nd minute, restoring the Pioneers' two-goal advantage at 3-1.
Illinois Wesleyan refused to go away, cutting the lead back to one when Zoe Kormah scored in the 79th minute. With the Titans searching for an equalizer down the stretch, Lewandowski made two more saves over the final nine minutes to preserve the victory.
The Titans finished with an 18-6 advantage in total shots and a 10-3 edge in shots on goal, but the Pioneers converted all three of their attempts on frame. Lewandowski finished with eight saves while earning the victory in goal. Williamson, Seuser and Pierson supplied Carroll's three goals, with Nowak and Courtois recording assists.
Carroll will return to Schneider Stadium on Wednesday, hosting Carthage at 7 p.m. in another CCIW matchup.
