Women’s soccer earns second straight win

Story by Jim Joyner, Sports Editor

The Baker women’s soccer team defeated the Graceland Yellow Jackets on Saturday in Lamoni, Iowa, 3-1 for the Wildcats’ second straight win.

The women came into the game off their first victory in conference play over rival MidAmerica Nazarene University and now sit at 9-5-0 overall and 2-2-0 in the conference.

The game was even throughout the scoreless first half. Each team took five shots a piece and both goalkeepers, senior Rachel Theobald and Graceland’s freshman Miranda Hunzeker, had three saves.

Just seven minutes into the second half, freshman Megan Johnson found the back of the net to give Baker the lead, 1-0. Senior Shelby Schiraldi, who leads the team with six assists, found Johnson to set up the goal, her fourth of the season.

Nine minutes later, Baker added its second tally to the scoreboard after junior Jenna Carducci found senior Ashley Mauck with a pass for Mauck’s third goal of the season.

Just when the ‘Cats felt a cushion, Graceland struck back less than one minute later. Senior Daniela Gonzalez beat Theobald and cashed in her fifth goal of the season, cutting the lead in half.

At the final 20 minute mark, Graceland had the momentum. But veteran leadership has been vital to the ‘Cats this 2014 season.

In the 73rd minute Carducci put the game and the Yellowjackets’ hope away with her fourth goal of the season. Carducci and Johnson lead the team with four goals each on the season.

With only three regular season games left to play, Hooper looks to beat her team-leading total from last year of seven goals in a season.

Baker outshot Graceland 17-11, putting 10 of those on frame.

Sophomore Keeley Atkin led the way shooting with three shots, for a team-leading 35 shots on the season. Atkin is also tied with Carducci and Johnson for the team’s leading scorer with four.

The ‘Cats will take on Avila University in their next conference game at noon on Friday in Kansas City, Missouri.