Griffins Drop A Tough One Against Millikin

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—Despite outshooting Millikin 20-12 in its home opener, the Fontbonne University women's soccer team dropped a tough 2-1 outing against the Big Blue.

Fontbonne's (0-3) lone goal came off the foot of Kierstyn Weaver her first on the year. Karlie Peth and Daniele Caruso tied for the team-high with four shots, while Meredith Wendt added two. In net, Makayla Hussong collected four saves.

On the other side of the pitch, Millikin (4-0) got its goals from Lucy Koger and Danielle Holliday. In goal, Anna Benvenuto came up big on a few plays to earn the win and finish with eight saves.

In the early going, it was Fontbonne owning the pace of play and keeping the ball on the Big Blue's side of the field. However, in the 14^th minute, Koger beat Hussong on the short side to give Millikin a 1-0 lead.

The Griffins kept pushing forward though as they had a chance in the 31^st minute but Anna Whitaker's header off a corner kick went high over the bar. Weaver had a chance in the 35^th minute to tie it up but her shot was saved by Benvenuto.

FBU had once final chance before the half ended, but the equalizer was not to be at the time with Millikin leading by one at the break.

In the second half, the Griffins offensive push throughout the game finally paid off. In the 46^th minute, a foul was called on Millikin and FBU took advantage. Daniele Caruso crossed the ball into the box, after it bounced around the ball landed on the foot of Weaver, who found the back of the net, tying the game at 1-1.

That score, however, didn't last too long. In the 55^th minute, Koger raced down the right side of the field and crossed the ball into the box. It went off a Griffins defensive player, straight up in the air and right to Holliday who headed it in, giving Millikin the lead back at 2-1.

Fontbonne tried to respond in the 59^th minute. Meredith Wendt passed the ball right in between the Big Blue defense for the awaiting Jacey Pate. The Jacksonville, Illinois, native, turned and shot but Benvenuto charged out to make the save.

In the 76^th minute, the Griffins earned another corner kick. Caruso again placed it perfectly in the box and it was a scramble by both teams to get a foot on the ball. Whitaker had a chance but her shot was saved by Benvenuto. The ball rolled out to Ellen Weaver, however, a Big Blue defenseman blocked her attempt to keep them ahead by one.

The team added a couple more chances late in the half but Millikin was able to hang on for the wild 2-1 win.

The Griffins will be right back at it tomorrow morning at home when they'll host No. 10 Pomona-Pitzer. Kick-off is set for 11 a.m.

Fans make sure to stay updated on fontbonnegriffins.com tomorrow afternoon for a full recap and score.