Blazers Topped by Powerhouse Wheaton 2-0

10/13/2007

For the third straight game, the College of Saint Benedict fell short in their attempt for a victory as top-ranked Wheaton College defeated the Blazers 2-0 in Wheaton, Ill. The Blazers (7-1 MIAC, 12-3 overall) lost their third straight game, but were outplayed for only the first time this season by women’s Division III defending Champion Wheaton College ( 6-0 CCIW, 16-0 overall). The Thunder remain perfect on the season improving to 16-0 and extending their win streak to 34 matches, the second longest streak in Division III women’s soccer history. The winless weekend saw the Blazers slip to second in the MIAC standings, behind Concordia Moorhead. The Blazers play the Cobbers on the final weekend of the season in Moorhead, Minn. It could prove to be a battle for the MIAC Championship crown.

Wheaton got the scoring started at 16:34 of the first half with a goal from the foot of senior Sarah Richardson. It was Richardson’s 15^th goal this season. Nearly 15 minutes later sophomore Taryne Lee added to the cushion by scoring the Thunder’s second goal, her 18^th goal of the season.

Head coach Kate McNeil knew that the women's soccer powerhouse would pose a challenge for the Blazers.

"They are an incredible team, and you can see why they are ranked number one in the nation," McNeil said.

The Blazers were limited to seven shots, their lowest total of the season. Sophomore Allison Tourville (Plymouth, Minn. / Armstrong) led the Blazers with two shots-on-goal. Shannon Strohm (Burnsville, Minn. / Apple Valley) lost her third straight game in the net while making eight saves for the Blazers. Strohm had recorded eight shut-outs in a row prior to Tuesday evening’s game against Hamline University. The Blazers have been shut out in each of their three losses this season.

The Blazers will return to action on Saturday afternoon when they play host to St. Mary’s University. Game time is scheduled for 12:30.

Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-363-5301
Fax 320-363-6098