The women’s soccer team played a pair of games in Ohio last weekend, tying Ohio Wesleyan (1-1) on Sept. 4 and Sewanee (0-0) on Sept. 6.
In the game against Ohio Wesleyan, SFU earned the draw despite being outshot, 20-8.
Red Wolves sophomore Meredith Artz broke a scoreless tie in the match’s 64th minute. The New Jersey native scored her first collegiate goal from just outside the box, placing the ball in the top right corner of the net.
“There were so many chances and opportunities to score throughout the game,” said Artz. “When the ball went in the back of the net, it felt like a relief.”
Artz, who started 18 games for SFU last season, said her confidence was bolstered after netting the first goal of her college career.
“It proved to myself that I am capable of scoring goals,” she said.
SFU goalkeeper Alyssa Walker made nine saves in the 1-1 tie against the Bishops. The redshirt sophomore then posted the first shutout of her collegiate career in the 0-0 draw with Sewanee.
“In my eyes, seeing a zero on the scoreboard shows how it really does take all 11 players on the field to achieve a shutout,” said Walker. “Every single girl plays a role in keeping the ball out of our net.”
Walker bounced back last weekend after allowing nine goals in SFU’s season-opening loss to Carnegie Mellon on Sept. 1.
“I stay calm knowing that my teammates have my back and that I have theirs, especially in high-pressure situations,” Walker said.
SFU will play a pair of home matches next week against Saint Vincent (Sept. 16) and Chatham (Sept. 19).
“We have a really young team that is growing every game,” said SFU head coach Brian Diaz. “Over the two games last weekend, there was a lot of growth, individually and collectively.”
