ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of Northwestern Women's Soccer team's road stretch to begin the season came to a close Saturday as the Eagles made the short drive down Snelling Avenue to take on the Hamline University Pipers. After a close but encouraging loss to Central College on Wednesday, Northwestern was looking to finally break through and earn its first win of the 2024 season on a beautiful fall afternoon. Unfortunately for UNW, it would have to wait at least a few more days, as the Pipers held serve at home claimed a 3-1 victory.
Hamline struck early, netting a goal in just the seventh minute. The Eagles kicked shot on goal after shot on goal in an effort to equalize, but the Pipers' goalkeeper made five early saves to keep them scoreless. Finally, in the 44
th minute, freshman
Alix Krueger (Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake Area) subbed in and immediately scored her first career goal to tie the game at one.
Briella Babcock (Byron, Minn./Byron) got off the only other shot on goal of the half as the teams went into their respective locker rooms all square.
Most of the second half remained a dead heat, as both teams were able to get shots on net but weren't able to capitalize. Hamline finally was able to break through and take the lead with a 76
th-minute goal. The Pipers added another in the 84
th to put the game out of reach and seal a 3-1 home win. Hamline moved to an even 2-2 on the season with the win, while the Eagles fell to 0-3.
Megan Kohrt (Monona, Wis./Homeschool) led Northwestern in shots with six, one of which was on goal.
Madeline Hallberg (Princeton, Minn./Princeton), who scored against Central, added four shots and two shots on goal. Babcock,
Megan Moeller (Sheboygan, Wis./Sheboygan Christian School) and
Mya Chan (Brandon, S.D./Homeschool) each fired three shots. All three of Babcock's were on goal, as were two of Chan's.
Samantha Hansen (Cottage Grove, Minn./New Life Academy) made six saves in goal.
Northwestern will finally make its home debut on Wednesday, September 11
th against Bethel University. Kickoff at Reynolds Field is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
