Pioneers Defense Holds Strong In 1-0 Victory

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Strong defense and goalkeeping allowed the University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's soccer team (7-2-1) to complete a 1-0 road win over the University of Dubuque (3-1-5) on Tuesday night.

The Spartans had three scoring chances in the opening 20 minutes, firing three shots on goal but the Pioneers senior goalkeeper Emma Ball stopped each attempt. UW-Platteville recorded one shot on goal in the first 45 minutes, as sophomore Alyssa Peterson had a shot to lower corner, but it was turned aside by the Dubuque goalkeeper.

After a couple shots early in the second half, the Pioneers broke through on a goal by freshman Maddi Spencer-Strong in the 62^nd minute. Sophomore Anna Spindle was credited with the assist after playing a ball back just outside the box to Spencer-Strong who fired a shot to the upper corner.

The Pioneers defense held strong over the remainder of the game, keeping the Spartans scoreless on eight shots in the final 28 minutes. Ball stopped all three shots on goal over the time frame to record the shutout.

Ball recorded a season-high 10 saves for her fourth shutout on the season. Dubuque outshot UW-Platteville 19-9 and 10-3 in shots on goal but the Pioneers were able to make the most of their opportunities. Peterson recorded three shots for the Pioneers, including two that hit the woodwork.

UW-Platteville opens its WIAC schedule at home on Saturday, Oct. 1 when it hosts UW-Stout at 3 p.m. for Alumni weekend.