Saint Mary's College

WHEATON, Ill. - Saint Mary's College Soccer fought with Wheaton College to a 1-1 draw in a tough defensive battle. The Belles move to 3-2-1 while the Thunder move to 1-4-1.
 
Both team's defenses shined in the first half as only five total shots were recorded while Wheaton took a 3-2 advantage and neither team had a shot on target. The two teams went into the break with a 0-0 draw as they were as equal as possible.
 
The second half provided plenty more offense for both teams down the stretch. With less than 15 minutes to play in the game, freshman Elizabeth Pranger (Fort Wayne, IN) intercepted a pass in the middle of the field before playing the ball forward to sophomore Mia Johnson (Mission Viejo, CA). While Johnson worked her way through a couple defenders, she found freshman Lily Larimer (Pittsford, NY) in the middle of the field and Larimer curled a beautiful ball over an outstretched arm of the goalkeeper into the top left corner to give the Belles a late lead.
 
Shortly after the resuming kickoff, the Thunder controlled a free kick that ricocheted off the crossbar and sent it into the goal off a Belles defender to tie the game at one. Both teams would have multiple attempts in the final ten minutes to take the last lead, but strong efforts from goalkeepers and defense held the match to a 1-1 draw.
 
Larimer had the lone goal for the Belles for her first collegiate goal. Pranger and Johnson were both credited with assists on the goal. In goal, sophomore Meghan Krayer (Hinsdale, IL) faced 14 total shots on the night with three on target, making two saves.
 
The Thunder outshot the Belles 14-9 in the match but both teams were even in shots on goal with three apiece. 
 
UP NEXT FOR THE BELLES
After a ten-day break, Saint Mary's returns to the Purcell Athletic Fields on September 26 as they host Lake Forest College for a 3pm kickoff. The matchup with the Foresters will also be the Belles annual Morgan's Message Game.