ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University women's soccer team closed out its home schedule Sunday afternoon, falling 2-0 to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in a non-conference match-up at Ona Orth Athletic Complex.
The Royals battled throughout the contest, creating several offensive opportunities against a Warhawks squad that entered the afternoon with 12 victories on the season.
UW-Whitewater applied pressure early, recording 10 shots in the opening half. Bethel's defense held strong through the opening 30 minutes before Aria Patel broke the scoreless tie in the 34th minute, scoring off an assist from Lilli Rick to give the Warhawks a 1-0 advantage.
Despite trailing, the Royals continued to generate opportunities, recording four first-half shots and earning four corner kicks before heading into halftime down by one.
UW-Whitewater extended its lead in the 56th minute when Ryan Kadlec found the back of the net off an assist from Brinley Dunsirn, putting the Warhawks ahead 2-0.
Bethel responded with a stronger defensive effort in the second half, limiting UW-Whitewater to just three shots over the final 45 minutes while continuing to create chances on the offensive end.
The Royals recorded four second-half shots, including three on goal, but were unable to break through the Warhawks' defense.
Taylor Sievert, Eleanor Rundell and Jordan Volstad each recorded two shots to lead Bethel offensively. Jessica Oliver, Eva Patenaude, Sievert, Rundell and Volstad each registered a shot on goal.
Bethel finished with eight total shots, putting five on target, while UW-Whitewater recorded 13 shots with six on goal. The Royals held a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks, including four in the opening half.
Defensively, Abby Wright recorded four saves in 75:14 of action, while Ahna Haugo played the final 14:46 without allowing a goal.
The loss moves Bethel to 5-8-2 overall while maintaining a 4-4-2 record in MIAC play.
Up Next: Bethel closes out its regular-season schedule Saturday, Oct. 31, against Saint Mary's University in MIAC action. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
