Griffins Clinch Spot In SLIAC Tournament With Victory Over Spalding

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—The Fontbonne University women's soccer team clinched a spot in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Tournament on Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over Spalding.

Prior to the game, the Griffins honored its five seniors that included, Meredith Wendt, Maddie Redohl, Anna Whitaker, Ellen Weaver and Linsey Klein.

Fontbonne (9-9; 6-2 SLIAC), will head to the tournament for the ninth straight season after they outshot the Golden Eagles 21-9 on the evening. Jacey Pate and Meredith Wendt both scored, while Makayla Hussong got the victory in net as she made seven saves.

In the first half, the Griffins struck early as Pate got the ball on the right side and her shot went over the outstretched arms of Golden Eagles net-minder, Ashlee Wilson, to give them a 1-0 lead.

Fontbonne dominated the rest of the way as they outshot the Golden Eagles 7-2, however, they were unable to expand on its lead thanks to some quality saves from Wilson.

In the second half, the Golden Eagles didn't waste time scoring the equalizer. Baylee Tabler dribbled down the left side of the field, crossed it over for Kelsie Huffman and she scored just one minute and 32 seconds in.

FBU tried to answer back in the 56^th minute but Klein's shot went off the crossbar. The team totaled five more shots before they were able to break through in the 66^th minute. Tague got the ball at the top of the box and passed it behind her to Wendt.

The senior ripped her shot into the near side of the net and she tied her career-high with goal No. 14 on the year, making it a 2-1 game in favor of FBU.

The Golden Eagles picked up the pace a few minutes later with three consecutive shots but all were saved by Hussong. That'd be the team's final hope to force overtime as the Griffins claimed the win and a spot in the SLIAC Tournament.

FBU will hit the field once more before the conference tournament on Saturday as they'll pay a visit to Principia. Kick-off is set for 3 p.m.

Fans make sure to stay updated on fontbonnegriffins.com throughout the year for full updates and recaps on the women's soccer team.