NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State soccer (4-7-3, 2-2-2 MVC) extended its unbeaten streak to three games with a 3-1 victory over Indiana State (7-5-4, 2-3-2 MVC) Sunday at Adelaide Street Field.
The Redbirds built a 2-0 halftime lead behind goals from Eiley Henderson (10') and Eve Gricius (36') and held off a strong surge from the Sycamores for the win. Abby Hall's first-career goal in the 80th minute was an insurance marker for the Redbirds to finish off the win.
It marked the second time in three games that Henderson and Gricius both netted goals. The scores marked their second goals of the season.
Ava Watson set up Henderson with a cross from the far side into the box, and she used her right foot to beat the goalie for a 1-0 lead. Henderson then assisted on the Gricius goal, as the cross came from the near side and Gricius headed the ball in. It marked Henderson's first-career assist.
Madi Valenti made a diving save after the break to keep the Sycamores off the board. Indiana State earned a free kick from outside the box and Valenti dove to her right for the save. Valenti finished with five saves in the contest.
After Indiana State broke through in the 68th minute, the Sycamores made a strong push for an equalizer. Hall then struck off an assist from Wells, her fourth assist over the last three games. The cross came from the far side and Hall headed the ball in for a third Redbird goal.
Wells has four assists in MVC play, which ranks second among all players in Valley play this season. It's also the most assists for a Redbird since 2022, when current Redbird Hillary Griffin tallied six assists during her freshman campaign.
Hall is the sixth Redbird to score her first career goal this season, joining Chloe Cline (8.15, Green Bay), Sammi Cenek (8.15, Green Bay), Henderson (Valparaiso, 10.3), Gricius (Valparaiso, 10.3) and Aniya Seymore (10.6, Murray State).
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The Redbirds head south for a Thursday contest at Evansville Oct. 17.
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