Evansville, Ind.-- The Illinois State women's soccer team made the trip down to Evansville, Ind. saturday afternoon to take on the Aces. The match was ISU's first game of the season in Missouri Valley Conference play. Ashley Santos netted her third goal of the season, and the first game winning goal of her Illinois State career to lift the Redbirds over the Aces.
The match got off to a hard fought defensive battle between the 'Birds and the Aces, with both teams minimizing scoring opportunities. Redshirt senior Abby Basler led the Redbird attack firing off three shots in the half. The Redbird offense racked up seven shots in the half. While the Illinois State defense stood strong, keeping the Evansville offense at bay, holding them to one shot in the first half.
The second half was off to another defensive battle, with only one shot being fired, by Abby Basler, until senior Ashley Santos delivered the first goal of the game, 68 minutes into the match. The goal was assisted by freshman Arianna Lombardi, her first point in a Redbird uniform.
The Illinois State defense stood strong the entire match, holding UE to two total shots on the day. Redshirt sophomore Priya Gillan had two saves on the day, helping deliver the Illinois State shutout victory.
The Redbirds look to keep their strong start to conference play, when they host Missouri State on March 5. The Friday match 'Birds first game at Adelaide Street Fields this season.
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