EAST CHICAGO, Ind. — Mari Williams rattled the crossbar before finally breaking through in the 19th minute, and the Indiana University Northwest women's soccer team held on for a 1-0 victory over IU Kokomo on Tuesday.
The RedHawks controlled the run of play from the opening whistle, peppering Kokomo goalkeeper Liz Godfrey early and often. Maya Maldonado tested Godfrey in the second minute, and Xiomara Santana followed with a shot on frame moments later. Williams came agonizingly close to opening the scoring in the seventh minute when her shot cracked off the crossbar, but the RedHawks didn't have to wait long for their goal.
In the 19th minute, Williams collected possession and beat Godfrey for an unassisted goal, her second of the season, to give IUN a 1-0 lead. Kokomo responded with a push of its own down the stretch of the first half, as Charity Lewis and Madison Balf both had corner kick chances, but Kaleigh Blatti and the RedHawks defense held firm.
IUN continued to press throughout the second half, refusing to sit on the lead. Erin Harrison and Williams each had multiple looks at a second goal, with Harrison forcing saves in the 49th and 54th minutes and Williams testing Godfrey twice more before halftime adjustments and beyond. Godfrey stood tall in goal for Kokomo, finishing with seven saves to keep the Cougars within a goal.
Kokomo pushed back in the second half, generating a handful of scoring chances of its own. Kaiya Money had back-to-back shots on frame in the 72nd and 74th minutes, and Gia Tumber added another attempt moments later, but Blatti was there each time, finishing with four saves on the night to preserve the shutout.
The RedHawks finished with a commanding 28-10 advantage in total shots and a 15-7 edge on shots on goal. Williams led all players with nine shots and five on frame, while Xiomara Santana and Erin Harrison each added multiple shots on goal in the winning effort.
With the victory, Indiana Northwest improves to 3-1 on the season. The RedHawks stay home and return to action Saturday, Sept. 5, hosting IU Columbus. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. CDT.
