WAUKESHA, Wis. - Carroll battled undefeated and nationally receiving-votes Loras to the final minutes Wednesday night at Schneider Stadium, but the Pioneers came up just short in a 2-1 setback. The Duhawks improved to 5-0 on the season, while Carroll moved to 1-2-4 overall.
Loras controlled much of the first half and broke through in the 12th minute when Adriana Wrzos finished a chance created by Emerson Gasmann for a 1-0 lead. Despite facing sustained pressure, the Pioneer defense and goalkeeper Ava Lewandowski kept Carroll within striking distance. Lewandowski finished with three saves on the night.Â
The visitors carried their one-goal advantage into halftime after outshooting Carroll 8-0 over the opening 45 minutes.
Carroll found its breakthrough in the second half. After earning a corner kick in the 72nd minute, Ellie Patrickus connected with Harlie Seuser off a corner kick, who scored her second goal of the season, which was a well-placed header, to even the match at 1-1. The goal came on the Pioneers' first shot of the evening and energized the home side as they looked for an upset of the unbeaten Duhawks.Â
The deadlock held for just over 10 minutes before Emily Bowe restored the Loras advantage in the 83rd minute with an impressive header finish. Emerson Gasmann and Bella Scesniak were credited with assists on the eventual game-winning goal.Â
Carroll continued to battle down the stretch, but the Duhawks held on for the 2-1 victory. The Pioneers were outshot 13-1 and faced 10 corner kicks, yet stayed within one goal of one of the region's top teams throughout the contest.Â
The Pioneers return to action Monday when they travel to UW-Whitewater for a 4:30 p.m. match in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
