October 15, 2009

RedStorm fall to No. 1 Lindsey Wilson

Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm women's soccer team knew they were in for a very tough fight on Thursday evening at home versus NAIA No. 1 Lindsey Wilson. Lindsey Wilson scored seven goals in the second half to blow open the game in cruising to an 11-0 victory.

Rio Grande (1-10-1, 0-5 MSC) lost for the eighth consecutive time and is still trying to capture that first Mid-South Conference win.

Lindsey Wilson (11-2-1, 4-0 MSC) scored four goals in the first half to put the game away and poured it on for seven more goals in the second half.

It was a tough night for Rio Grande sophomore goalkeeper Bobbie Fitzpatrick (Cincinnati, OH), who was making her first start of the year. She did manage to tally 12 saves on the evening. 

"The girls knew coming in that they were going to play a very hard game, we had a couple girls that having been training this week because they've been sick, we have injuries," said Rio Grande head coach Amber Oliver. "But, we told the girls who were playing that you have to come out and try to do your best and we feel that they did play well."

"There were moments when we did, the score doesn't reflect that, but we really felt that they came out and did their best against the top ranked team in the country," Oliver added. 

Oliver went on to highlight the play of freshman defender Allyson Schmelzer (Lancaster, OH). "If there was one bright spot, she was definitely it," Oliver said. 

Rio will not play again until heading to the Empire State next weekend to face off with Houghton College on Friday (October 23) and Roberts Wesleyan, Saturday (October 24).