ANGOLA, Ind. – A goal in each half was enough as the Trine University women's soccer team came away with the victory over visiting Wittenberg University. Sophomore Teresa Ashbrook led the way for the team scoring one goal and assisting on the other.
"We posted a good win against an opponent that made the NCAA Tournament last season," said head coach Gary Boughton after the win, "We're still improving, still growing and still learning about ourselves. This was a tough week for us and I'm really proud of the result today."
The Thunder quickly began pressuring the Tigers on the offensive side of the field firing two shots during the first minute of play. Senior Olivia Butterworth recorded the first shot on goal for the team, coming in the seventh minute.
Ashbrook was a big part of the offense right from the start. She recorded three shots with two coming on goal during the first 16 minutes. Her fourth shot would also come on goal. In the 24th minute of the contest she made a defender miss and fired her shot into the back of the net giving the team a 1-0 lead.
Wittenberg recorded just four shots during the first half, but the first came on goal with sophomore Sophie Aschemeier coming up with the save for Trine. In contrast the home team recorded 11 shots in the half with four coming on goal.
Butterworth recorded the first shot on goal of the second half as well, coming in the 53rd minute of the contest. Just 16 seconds later Ashbrook passed the ball from the center of the field to the left side of the penalty area where sophomore Bella Mabry fired a shot paste the keeper.
"I think that we still have some things to work on but we are very pleased with the outcome of the today," said Ashbrook, "We are just going to continue to improve as the season continues."
Trine settled in following the second goal. They would still record six shots during the half including three on goal, but the 2-0 score would go final with neither team scoring.
It is the fourth shutout of the season for the team and Aschemeier. She finished the game with five saves. The team improves to 4-2 following the win.
"It was a well-deserved win behind another clean sheet for big dog in net," said one of the team's captains, Lia Franzone, "We can't wait to get back to it on Tuesday."
They will travel to face Ohio Wesleyan University in their next match on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.