WMVO Good Times Great Oldies
The Kenyon College women’s soccer team continued its unbeaten start to the season after securing a 1-1 tie on the road against Heidelberg University.
The Owls started strong by taking the lead just four minutes in, but a second half that featured a lightning delay and an impressive ‘Berg goal prevented Kenyon from securing its fourth victory. Kenyon’s record moves to 3-0-2 with the tie, while Heidelberg remains undefeated at 0-0-2.
Kenyon could not have asked for a much better start after putting a shot on goal 61 seconds into the game and following up with a goal on their next attempt. The Owls earned a corner kick in the fourth minute, and the offense executed a set piece that saw Morgan Baker pass to Hailey Moss on the cross and put Kenyon ahead 1-0.
After going up a goal, it was all Owls in the first frame. Kenyon outshot Heidelberg 11-3 over the first 45 minutes, including a 6-2 edge in shots on goal. Additionally, the Owls earned five corners while conceding none.
Unfortunately for Kenyon, the second half was a different story. The game entered a lengthy lightning delay in the 55th minute, and the teams were forced out of action for over half an hour. When play resumed, the hosting Student Princes saved three Owls shots before converting a corner kick of their own in the 71st minute. Heidelberg’s Megan Hamilton played a near-perfect ball over the defense that found the head of Olivia Perry, who put her shot just over the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Gabi Pesticci.
Each squad had dangerous attacks that could have decided the game over the final 20 minutes. Kenyon’s best chance at a win came from Moss, who nearly scored again in the 88th minute after splitting two defenders and taking a one-on-one shot against the Heidelberg keeper, who secured the save and clinched the tie.
Overall, Kenyon outshot Heidelberg 20-6 with a 12-5 advantage in shots on goal. Moss’s goal marked her first this season, while Baker’s first assist of the year was her fifth point, tying her with Sadie Gould for the team lead.
Up next, Kenyon hosts Hanover College (3-1-1) on Saturday, September 16. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Mavec Field.
