The team huddles up post-game to discuss their plans on preparing for tomorrow’s match. The Tommies play at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Midfielder Mckenna Peplinski racing down the sideline for the ball. Peplinski has 12 points in her St. Thomas career.
Midfielder Kate Heimer lining up a shot on top of the box. Heimer has 17 points in her Tommie career.
Midfielder Elizabeth Luotto jumping towards the ball in the box. Knox goalkeeper Daniger claimed the ball before Luotto had any chance.
Midfielder Kate Heimer attacking Knox defender Brooklyn Deming. Heimer has started every game for St. Thomas this season.
Forward Tessa Trettel settling the ball in mid-air. Trettel was out for the first two months of the season, but has since returned making regular substitution appearances weekly.
Midfielder Tess Baier throwing the ball back into play. Baier was named the MIAC defensive player of the year in 2018.
Forward Kaley Roberts receiving a pass in the attacking third of the field. Roberts has 19 career St. Thomas points.
Knox goalkeeper Sierra Daniger reaching out to punch the ball out of her box in the first half. Daniger made five first half saves.
Tommie forward Kaley Roberts (white) fending off Knox defender Annie Peterson. Roberts scored the games only goal.
Tommie Forward Kaley Roberts (white) fending off Knox defender Annie Peterson. Roberts scored the games only goal.
Midfielder Kate Heimer dribbling up field. Heimer started and finished the match on the field.
The team lined up at the halfway line before the match to greet fans and then shake hands with their opponent. The Tommies won the match 1-0.
LACROSSE, Wis. – A standout performance from Tommie goalkeeper Olivia Elvidge led the St. Thomas women’s soccer team (10-1 MIAC, 19-2 overall) to a 1-0 victory over Knox College (13-6-3) in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Forward Kaley Roberts scored the game’s only goal of the match off of a header in the fifth minute of play. The game was Roberts’ first NCAA tournament appearance.
“I have the whole midfield and backline supporting me, but more than anything, it’s incredible to come in and prove that we deserve to be here,” Roberts said. “Today showed that we can come in here and play any team.”
An on-field temperature of 23 degrees during the game created harsh conditions for players on the field.
Tommie coach Sheila McGill said it wasn’t the teams best performance but wass satisfied with the win nonetheless..
“The early goal was key. It’s a 90-minute game and, as we saw at the end, they are going to put everything forward,” McGill said, “but for us to keep that high pace and high intensity in their half was really good.”
The Prairie Fire almost scored in the 81st minute of the game, but a heroic head-on save from Elvidge kept the Tommies in front. Elvidge made four total saves.
“This has been my third NCAA tournament game and my second with a clean sheet, and it’s something that I really strive for,” Elvidge said. “I just had enough time to dive in front of her and make the save.”
St. Thomas faces Wisconsin-LaCrosse Sunday at Veterans Memorial field. The Tommies have already played the Eagles once this season, recording a 4-0 win Sept. 9. 4-0 on Sept. 9.
Jacob Schneider can be reached at schn6923@stthomas.edu