BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Illinois Wesleyan University women's soccer team wrapped up the No. 3 seed and a first-round home game in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Tournament with a shutout of Millikin University Wednesday night, Oct. 28, at Neis Field. The Titans (9-3-5, 5-2-1 CCIW) bested the Big Blue (7-6-4, 1-3-4 CCIW), 2-nil, behind a pair of second-half tallies to secure their best conference record since 2022.
In a game that sat deadlocked, 0-0, in the final 30 minutes, the stat sheet was completely dominated by the Titans. IWU fired off 17 shots and earned eight corners, while MU tallied with two shots alongside two corners before the home team took the lead.
The Green and White's Taylor Haun (Metamora, Ill.-Metamora Township) forced a turnover by the Big Blue on a clear attempt and moved the ball into the box, where a handball resulted in a penalty kick. Poised for the moment, senior Ava Mapes (Golden, Colo.-Lakewood) pushed a shot by a diving Millikin keeper to nab a 1-nil lead with just over 26 minutes to play.
A heady play by senior Sophie Lampert (Hudson, Ill.-Normal West) led to another IWU opportunity in the 78th minute. Gathering possession, Lampert shielded the ball from a defender but was pushed to the ground for a free kick 30 yards out. Illinois Wesleyan's usual free kick taker, junior Vanessa Gray (Burlington, Ontario, Canada- Dr. Frank J. Hayden), stepped to the ball as Millikin assembled a wall and got organized in the box. She hit a low liner that one-hopped at the goal line and tucked inside the post and under MU's keeper to double IWU's lead, 2-nil.
Illinois Wesleyan continued to pressure Millikin, tallying six shots to MU's two over the final 10 minutes to wrap up the win.
The Titans will host the Pios on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. at Neis Field. For ticket information, live coverage access, and the full tournament bracket, visit CCIW.com.
