Hilltoppers Set to Head West, Take Down Cardinals, 1-0
AUSTIN, Texas - The St. Edward's women's soccer team rolled past the hosting Incarnate Word 1-0, Sunday afternoon at Benson Stadium. The win advances the Hilltoppers to the third round of the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championships.
St. Edward's (15-3-1) began the match with an emphasis on maintaining possession of the ball as well as building a lead against the high powered Cardinal offense. Senior defender Alex Podowski was very active in the Hilltoppers offense, just missing the ball by inches after the Hilltoppers first corner kick. In the 32nd minute Podowski met a corner kick by sophomore Bethany Bennett with a running header to place the Hilltoppers in the lead.
Incarnate Word (15-2-3) was led by junior Sarah Hernandez who had two breakaway runs past the Hilltopper defense. The Cardinal attacks were met with goalie pulls by sophomore Claire Tilton to just beat the Cardinals to the ball.
In the second half, senior Stacey Copeland placed a shot just above the crossbar in the opening minute continuing the Hilltopper momentum from the first half. The Hilltoppers dominated possession in the half. The Hilltopper defense held the Cardinal offense to only one shot in the half. Despite a last minute Cardinal attack, the Hilltoppers held on to their one score lead.
The Hilltoppers outshot the Cardinals 13-4. The Hilltoppers showed to be effective execution of their corner-kicks in which they totaled 9 while holding the Cardinals to zero.
The Hilltoppers will be back in action Friday as they travel to take on West Texas A&M in San Diego. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CST at UC-San Diego.