Women’s soccer remains undefeated in HAAC play

Story by Lauren Bechard

The No. 25 Baker University women’s soccer team held the No. 11 Graceland University Yellowjackets in a 2-2 tie Saturday to remain undefeated in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

The Wildcats are now 5-3-4 on the season and 1-0-1 in HAAC play.

All of the goals scored in the game came during the first and last 10 minutes of regulation.

Only nine minutes had ticked away before Graceland was on the scoreboard first, but Baker responded less than a minute later with a goal from freshman Allison Haddad. The goal was Haddad’s first of her career as a Wildcat.

Baker took the lead in the 81st minute when junior Alexa Fryer ripped a shot past Graceland’s goalkeeper following a pass from junior Shelby Schiraldi to bring the score to 2-1.

The Wildcats coasted until a mix-up in front of their own goal allowed the Yellowjackets to score once more with 1:23 left to play. Neither team was able to finish a shot, sending the game into overtime.

Both teams were scoreless in overtime play, but Baker outshot Graceland 5-3. The Wildcats took a total of 17 shots all game compared to 12 from the Yellowjackets. Freshman Gabrielle Betsch led the team with four shots, three on goal.

In spite of allowing two goals, junior goalkeeper Rachel Theobald recorded four saves to bring her total to 35 saves on the year.

Baker will take on HAAC rival MidAmerica Nazarene University at 12:30 p.m Wednesday in Olathe.