McLean County Times

Finding their rhythm on the road, the Illinois Wesleyan University women's soccer team secured an 8-3 victory against Monmouth College's Fighting Scots on Sunday, September 21. This win marked the most goals in a game for IWU since 2021. Freshman Liza Wiley from Bloomington achieved her second hat trick of her young career during this match. With this victory, IWU's record improved to 2-5 for the season, while Monmouth's fell to 2-4-2.

In the first half, the Titans dominated possession and led in shots (25-4), shots on goal (13-4), and corner kicks (4-0). Sophomore Sophie Lampert scored first for IWU in the second minute by maneuvering past Monmouth's defense and netting her first goal of the season.

Monmouth equalized in the ninth minute, but junior Maya Flemming quickly restored IWU's lead with a long-range shot over the keeper’s head in the 12th minute. Senior captain Tegan Timerman added another goal five minutes later after navigating through Monmouth’s defense.

Flemming scored again following a deflected corner kick that slipped past Monmouth’s keeper, bringing IWU to a 4-1 lead just 21 minutes into play. Goals from Wiley and junior Jenna Gravitt extended IWU’s advantage to 6-1.

Monmouth responded with two goals before halftime, narrowing IWU's lead to 6-3. In the second half, freshman Ellen Dahlquist assisted Wiley for her second goal of the game. Wiley completed her hat trick with assistance from Lambert in the 55th minute, solidifying an 8-3 lead for Illinois Wesleyan.

The match was called off due to inclement weather at the 74th minute mark; however, it was declared official as it surpassed the required time threshold.

Illinois Wesleyan is set to host Dominican University tomorrow at Neis Field with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m.