Wildcats Grind Out 2-1 Win in Conference Opener

Canton, MO – The Culver-Stockton women’s soccer team opened its Heart of America Athletic Conference schedule at home with a hard-fought 2-1 win over William Penn on Wednesday.

The Wildcats controlled the first half, outshooting the Statesmen 6-2. Their pressure finally paid off in the closing moments, as Desiree Hensiek found the back of the net in the 45th minute to give Culver a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

William Penn responded early in the second half when Lilly Cote scored off an assist from India Foger to even the match at 1-1 in the 50th minute. Both teams created chances from there — Culver with eight shots and William Penn with five — but the breakthrough came on a penalty. The Wildcats were fouled in the box, and Quincy native Rian Moore stepped up to take the kick. The sophomore buried it for her sixth goal of the season, securing the win and moving Culver-Stockton to 4-0-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play.

Head coach Tyler Tomlinson praised the toughness his squad showed against a physical opponent. “It was gritty,” Tomlinson said. “They are a very physical team and we were able to take that in stride and we showed some grit. Three points in conference is what you want, and I’m glad we got that.”

Tomlinson also highlighted Moore’s strong start to the season. “That’s more than she had all last year,” he said. “She’s being dangerous right now, scoring every game, and she’s really tough. She scored on the penalty kick with all the pressure on her to basically win the game for us right there, and she did it. We’re really proud of how she’s stepped up so far this year, and I think it’s been really good for the team.”

The Wildcats stay at home for their next matchup, hosting the Park University Pirates on Wednesday, September 10 at 5:00 p.m. for Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night. “They’re getting all of our focus right now,” Tomlinson said. “They got us last year, we didn’t play our best. So I’d really like to give Park something better this year.”

Key Stats

#6 Rian Moore; 1 Goal, 2 Shots, 1 Shot on Goal
#41 Desiree Hensiek; 1 G, 1 S, 1 SOG
#1 Sam Link; 1 Goal Allowed, 2 Saves, 3 SOG