ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Carroll opened CCIW play with a road victory on Saturday afternoon, defeating Augustana 3-2 at Thorson-Lucken Field. The win improved the Pioneers to 2-2-5 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
The Pioneers took control early behind midfielder Ellie Pierson, who scored both of her first collegiate goals in the opening half. Pierson got Carroll on the board in the eighth minute, finding the back of the net at 7:42 to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage. She struck again less than 14 minutes later, scoring unassisted in the 21st minute to double the lead.
Carroll carried that 2-0 advantage into halftime after outshooting the Vikings 6-2 over the opening 45 minutes. Goalkeeper Ava Lewandowski made a save in the first half to preserve the shutout heading into the break.
Augustana responded quickly after halftime, cutting the deficit to one just 1:43 into the second period when Skylar Swanson scored to make it 2-1. The Pioneers answered midway through the half with what proved to be the game-winning goal. Following a saved shot by Harlie Seuser in the 61st minute, Ellie Patrickus finished the rebound into the net for her second goal of the season, restoring Carroll's two-goal cushion at 3-1.
The Vikings continued to push forward and found another goal in the 79th minute when Alyssa Mowry converted a pass from Iara Moscovich. Despite the late pressure, Carroll held firm over the final minutes to secure the conference victory.
The Pioneers generated consistent offensive pressure throughout the afternoon, finishing with a 16-5 advantage in total shots and an 11-3 edge in shots on goal. Patrickus led Carroll with four shots, while Pierson recorded two goals on two shots on target. Lewandowski earned the win in goal, making one save in 90 minutes of action.
Carroll will look to build on its strong conference start when it returns to action on Tuesday as they host nonconference UW-Oshkosh at 7pm back at Schneider Stadium.
