Illinois State University’s women’s soccer team lost to Butler University 5-1 on Thursday afternoon at the Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl in Indianapolis.
The Redbirds had an early defensive highlight when redshirt player Madi Valenti stopped a Butler scoring chance with a diving save in the sixth minute. Illinois State appeared to take the lead shortly after, as freshman Rylann Law found the net from the edge of the box, but her goal was overturned for offside, keeping the game scoreless.
Butler took control in the 16th minute with their first goal and doubled their advantage with a corner kick conversion in the 35th minute. The Bulldogs led 2-0 at halftime and increased their margin to 3-0 early in the second half.
Illinois State responded in the 56th minute when freshmen Gracie Petrie assisted Rylann Law, who scored her first career goal. Petrie also notched her first career assist on the play. However, Butler answered quickly with another goal seconds later and added a fifth tally in the 63rd minute.
The match saw sophomore Eiley Henderson return from injury for her first appearance of the season, playing 33 minutes. Sophomore transfer Rylie Monohan made her debut for Illinois State, logging 40 minutes on the field.
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