BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C.— The Montreat College women's soccer team saw its three-game clean-sheet streak snapped on Saturday at Pulliam Stadium as the Tennessee Wesleyan University Bulldogs utilized a trio of second-half goals to top the hosts, 3-0. With the defeat, the Cavaliers moved to 5-6-1 overall and 4-4-1 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play. TWU, who is receiving votes in the NAIA Women's Soccer Coaches' Top 25, improved to 8-2-0 (7-2-0 AAC) with the triumph.
Both teams set a defensive tone in the first half, especially as
Anna Weissenfluh made critical saves to keep the Bulldogs at bay. Despite several attempts from Tennessee Wesleyan, Weissenfluh's steadfast goalkeeping ensured the score remained level. Montreat applied pressure with shots from
Natalie Hall and
Leigh Harpel, but TWU's goalkeeper responded with stops to maintain the scoreless tie. The period ended with both teams locked in a stalemate, with the scoreboard reading 0-0.
The second frame commenced with a pivotal moment as the visitors scored in the 56
th minute to take a 1-0 lead. The Cavs' defense, anchored by goalkeeper Weissenfluh, responded with additional saves on subsequent shots, standing tall against the pressure of the Bulldogs' attack.
Despite the Cavaliers' defensive efforts, Tennessee Wesleyan extended its edge with additional goals in the 78
th and 84
th minutes. Montreat continued to battle, with Weissenfluh recording multiple stops to limit further damage; however, TWU ended the match by registering the contest's final 19 shot attempts. As a result, the away side secured a 3-0 victory on the scoreboard.
Overall, the Bulldogs accumulated advantages in shots (26-6), shots on goal (13-3) and corner kicks (10-3).
After notching an eight-save shut out on Wednesday, Weissenfluh made 10 saves Saturday afternoon. Hall led the offensive effort with two shots on frame from her two total attempts.
Keira Stegman contributed offensively with one shot that was on target. Harpel and
Joscelyn Eicher each added to the attack as well with one shot apiece.
"I am incredibly proud of how we left it all on the field today," said head coach
Kristin Eggert. "We are crossing over into something you can't quantify on the scoreboard, and when that comes to its fullest, people will not want to draw us in the postseason."
The next challenge for the Cavs takes them on the road to face Bluefield University. The matchup is set for Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. in Bluefield, Va.
