McKendree University Athletics

LEBANON, Ill. | Leemon Field - After a weather and lightning delay on Wednesday evening, McKendree University women's soccer (RV) (7-1-0, 3-1-0 GLVC) lit up its home turf with a strong responsive win over Drury, topping the Panthers, 4-2. Sophmore midfielder Lyla Karolczak fired the eventual game-winner for the Bearcats while senior forward Aubrey Andrews (2) and junior forward Maddie Mauch both found the back of the net to spark and solidify the squad's victorious efforts. McKendree now looks ahead to Saturday, September 19, with a 9:30AM kick off at Maryville at Lonnie Folks Field in St. Louis.

The Wednesday night outing for the Bearcats was initially pushed back following a string of storms and lightning in the area, leading the team and Drury anxiously awaiting kick off. When the weather broke and all-clear was given, the two programs butted heads immediately with early chances both directions. Drury broke the ice in the fourth minute, taking a 1-0 lead. The Bearcats' attack did not let up as they fired six shots in the first half, putting up the equalizer in the 22nd minute of action. Senior midfielder Maggie Gleckler dished out a ball to Andrews, who fired her first of the night. Less than three minutes later, in the 25th, Andrews had a nose for the ball again as a short cross came from Mauch which was sent into the net by Andrews. Her second goal gave McKendree the 2-1 advantage. Following the leading goal for the Bearcats, Drury answered with a tying goal later in the 25th minute. McKendree did not wait to respond with Karolczak receiving the dishout from Mauch, allowing her to turn and fire away for the eventual game-winning goal. The Bearcats led 3-2 at the halftime intermission stretch. 

The second half saw another deadlock battle as both teams fired away with nine shots during the latter 45. McKendree responded to a forceful attack from the Panthers, allowing noe further scores, as junior goalkeeper Alyse Day grabbed three more saves in the second half with multiple acts of aerobatics. The final goal of the night, solidifying the victory came from the league's goal (7) and point-leader (18) in Mauch, as she found the back of the net in the 77th. 

McKendree finished out the contest, holding true with a 4-2 final.