McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's soccer team secured a place in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) tournament after a 1-0 win over Carroll University on Saturday, October 25, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The victory brings the Titans to a 3-3-1 record in CCIW play and 8-7-2 overall. Carroll University concludes its season with a 5-6-5 overall record and 2-5-1 in conference play, falling short of tournament qualification.

Sophomore goalkeeper Vanessa Gray recorded four saves and kept a clean sheet for Illinois Wesleyan. The Titans registered nine shots, with three on target, while Carroll had seven shots and four on goal.

A yellow card against Carroll in the 26th minute gave Illinois Wesleyan a free kick, leading to an offensive opportunity. Senior Kayley Carew delivered a pass into the box, and sophomore Liza Wiley attempted a header but collided with the Carroll goalkeeper.

The first half saw limited action, with neither team recording a shot on target until the 33rd minute. Gray made a save following a Carroll corner kick to keep the match scoreless. Just before halftime, Wiley had another chance for the Titans but sent her shot over the crossbar.

In the early minutes of the second half, junior Sophie Lampert took a long-range shot that deflected off a Carroll defender. Sophomore Keira Robinson capitalized on the loose ball, scoring her sixth goal of the season and giving Illinois Wesleyan a 1-0 lead.

Carroll had opportunities to equalize, including a fastbreak by Addie Decker in the 66th minute that was stopped by another save from Gray. In the final five minutes, Carroll was awarded a free kick from 12 yards out, but the shot hit the crossbar and went out of bounds.

Illinois Wesleyan will play Millikin University on Wednesday, October 29, in Decatur, Illinois, as they aim to improve their seeding for the upcoming CCIW Tournament. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.