By Davis Gregory, UT Martin Sports Information
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa- In its first all-time meeting with Northern Iowa, the University of Tennessee at Martin soccer team battled throughout but fell by a 3-1 margin.
UT Martin (2-4-1) saw the freshman duo of goalkeeper Andrea Wie and forward Jordan Bailey contribute in the matinee. Wie started her first career match between the posts and turned away six Panther chances. Bailey rocketed home the first goal of her collegiate career and the lone score for the Skyhawks in the 55th minute.
Northern Iowa (7-0-1) would net two goals in the first half from Olivia Knoepfle (eighth minute) and Lauren Heinsch (34th minute). Maddie Eastus (57th minute) would score the final goal for the Panthers in the second half.
The Skyhawks recorded nine total shots with Bailey and Jenny Enriquez leading the team in attempts with two. Joelle Stinson, Makayla Robinson, Maren Cain, Peyton Cook and Rachel Okoro each registered a shot apiece.
Returning starters Catey Hunt and Shayla Addington joined Wie in going the full 90 minutes in the match.
“We gave the ball away a bit too carelessly in the first half which led to us digging the hole we did,” said UT Martin head coach Mike Varga. “The second half was much better. We created some quality chances against a good team and just competed much better in the second half. We’ll build off our bright spots and clean up what we need to.”
The Skyhawks will travel to Huntsville, Ala. for a date with Alabama A&M at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information