The Wolf Pack women’s soccer team faced off against the Eastern Washington University Eagles at Mackay Stadium on Sept. 17. Scoring early and often, the team went on to secure its first win of the season 3-2.
Nevada opened up strong in the first half of the game against Eastern Washington, pushing up the field and against the EWU defense. Sydnie Fong, Nevada defenseman, maintained possession of the ball and drove it up the pitch toward Luz Arreaga, Nevada midfielder, who scored a long goal against Kiara Matson, EWU goalkeeper.
Serena Gronauer, Nevada forward, scored the second goal for the Pack 16 minutes into the game with an assist by Maddie Benson, defender. This marked her first goal of the season. The Eagles defense did not get their first goal attempt until midway through the first half with a 35-yard strike by Madison Kem that was blocked by Ally Larkin, Nevada goalie.
Gabby Brown, Nevada defender, scored the third goal for the Pack after she was subbed in with 10 minutes left of the first half. This was Brown’s third goal of the season and the last goal of the game for Nevada.
The second half saw more combative play on both sides of the pitch, with EWU getting 10 fouls and one yellow card on Gillian Martin, Eastern Washington forward. The Eagles’ aggressive play paid off as Maddie Morgan, EWU forward, scored a goal off a penalty shot. Morgan also assisted Corina Froehle, EWU midfielder, who scored the team’s second goal.
After the two goals, the Nevada defense held off the EWU offensive efforts until the end of the game and lifted the Wolf Pack to a 3-2 victory. Nevada’s season record is now at 2-3-4 going into conference play, with their first conference game on Thursday, Sept. 21 at Colorado State.
Lily Walker can be reached via email draridon@sagebrush.unr.edu or via Twitter @RaridonDerek
