LA CROSSE, Wis. — Maya Maldonado scored twice in a six-minute first-half burst, and the Indiana University Northwest women's soccer team shut out Viterbo 4-0 on Wednesday for its seventh consecutive victory.
Viterbo had the early looks, earning three corner kicks in the first 12 minutes and testing IUN goalkeeper Kaleigh Blatti, but the RedHawks struck first. In the 14th minute, Maldonado found the net off a corner kick from Ava Haluska to open the scoring.
The RedHawks added two more in a span of 35 seconds. In the 19th minute, Maldonado set up Piper Ellenberger to make it 2-0. Moments later, Gianna Witte sent a pass to Maldonado, who finished her second goal of the match for a 3-0 lead that held through halftime. IUN outshot Viterbo 11-4 in the first half.
The RedHawks kept the pressure on after the break while Blatti kept the shutout intact. She turned away Kelcie Karweick in the 66th minute, and Viterbo's Brynlee Kelly hit the post in the 53rd minute. IUN put the match away in the 80th minute when Witte, who finished with two assists, set up Mari Williams for her 18th goal of the season.
IUN outshot Viterbo 20-11 and put 15 shots on goal to the Vikings' four. Maldonado put all six of her shots on target. Williams led the team with eight shots. Blatti made three saves, and Viterbo goalkeeper Baylee Faucett made nine.
With the win, Indiana Northwest improves to 7-1-0 in conference play. The RedHawks return home Saturday, Oct. 24, for Senior Day, honoring eight seniors. Pregame festivities begin at 1:15 p.m. CDT, followed by kickoff at 2 p.m.
