Panthers race past Murray State, 3-0

Lauren+Heinsch+%289%29+got+UNIs+scoring+started+on+Thursday+with+a+goal+in+the+18th+minute.+

COURTESY

Lauren Heinsch (9) got UNI’s scoring started on Thursday with a goal in the 18th minute.

ADAM JOHNSON, Sports Writer

UNI women’s soccer had a home game against Murray State on Thursday, Oct. 20. The Panthers came into this game with a tie streak of five games. They looked to end that streak against the Racers, and they managed to do just that, breaking the streak with a solid victory, 3-0.

Caitlin Richards found some action in the goal for UNI early, having three saves in the first 17 minutes of the game. UNI did not get anything going up to that point, as they only had one shot, and it did not make it to the goalkeeper. However, that changed quickly, as less than a minute after Richard’s third save, the Panthers first shot on goal was a great one. UNI’s Lauren Heinsch put one by Murray State goalie Jenna Vilacres on an assist from Lizzie Mewes. That would be the only shot on goal the Panthers had in the period, Richards picked up one more save, and UNI went into the half with the lead, 1-0.

The second period could not have started any better for the Panthers. Just six minutes in, UNI had two goals back to back. Heinsch assisted Sophia Meier for a goal, and Sydney Burskey scored on an assist by Ashley Harrington, both goals occurring in the 52nd minute. UNI now led 3-0. UNI would only get a couple more shots on the Racers goalie, but the 3-0 lead would prove enough. Richards continued to keep the Racers in check, as she put together three more saves in the second, totalling seven for the game. By the end of the game, the Racers were left completely off the board, and UNI won it, 3-0.

UNI made the most of their opportunities to pull out this victory. While having 12 shots total, the Panthers had five shots on goal. They took advantage of the shots they got, making three of the five, helping secure the victory.

UNI concludes the regular season at home against Belmont on Sunday. They will play in the MVC Tournament beginning Thursday, Oct. 27