Box Score Photo by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com
REDLANDS, Calif. – After waiting nearly 30 minutes to start their game, the Whittier College Women's Soccer Team went on to play 90 minutes of scoreless competition before the Bulldogs of the University of Redlands would add the game winner in overtime to come away with the 1-0 victory at Farquhar Field.
This marks the second straight loss and the fourth straight game of a 1-0 decision for the Purple & Gold as they drop to 5-2, 2-2 SCIAC. Redlands improves to 4-1-1, 3-1 SCIAC.
Whittier outshot UR 6-3 in the first half with four coming in the first four minutes. Madison Shipherd (Whittier, Calif.) sent one high, Leah Kolek (Diamond Bar, Calif.) had hers blocked, and Mikaila Cravalho-Myers (Mililani, HI) and Jennifer Muise (Chino Hills, Calif.) were denied by Bulldog keeper Hannah Menk.
The best opportunity for the Poets came in the 38th minute from Shipherd who struck a free kick but saw it hit the crossbar keeping the game scoreless into the break.
In the second half, UR picked up the tempo totaling 11 shots, while holding Whittier to just three but sophomore Alexi Cruz (Long Beach, Calif.) would again prove tough in goal turning away six shots en route to finishing with a game and season high nine saves.
In the 98th minute, the Poets saw their lone shot opportunity grabbed by Redlands keeper Lexi Felix who quickly worked the ball downfield. After a couple of successful connections, Mollie Craighead sent home the game-winner in the 99th minute who netted middle a free ball in the box from Lauren Bay.
Shipherd finished with three shots on the evening, while Muise and Cravalho-Myers each totaled two.
Whittier returns home this Wednesday, September 30 and remains in SCIAC action as they host Cal Lutheran University beginning at 7:00pm.
