By Kevin Skolny / The Jambar
The Youngstown State University women’s soccer team opened conference play Sept. 19 at the University of Detroit Mercy, followed by another match Sept. 22 at Oakland University.
The Penguins entered the first matchup with a record of 2-4-2 and left with back-to-back losses as both matchups ended in a score of 3-1. Overall, Detroit Mercy moved to 3-6 while Oakland improved to 2-7-2.
Redshirt freshman Maya Naimoli saw a lot of action at goalie against Detroit Mercy and matched her career-high with nine saves, matching her career-high she set Sept. 15 against Duquesne.
However, her efforts weren’t enough, as in the 14th minute the Titans’ fifth-year senior Joyelle Washington broke the tie, scoring her first goal of the year.
In the 27th minute, freshman Kyleen Bradow and fifth-year senior Erica Toupin of the Titans assisted freshman Sam Sickinger on her first goal of the season.
To finish out the first half for the ʼGuins, junior captain Taylor Berry, along with sophomore Eva Sunjevaric, assisted redshirt freshman Sara Felder on her second goal of the season, bringing the score to 2-1.
However, the Penguins would not score again as the Titans’ Erica Toupin scored her fourth goal of the season in the 70th minute, bringing the game to its final of 3-1.
Looking at the game Sept. 22 against Oakland, the Penguins got off to a hot start, as fifth-year senior captain Lianna Van Sice scored in the 15th minute off an assist by Berry and fifth-year senior Justine Appolonia.
However, that was quickly matched by Oakland as junior Frankie Mudd scored in the 20th minute off of an assist by freshman Isabella Bierod.
The Penguins would not score again as Oakland’s defense only allowed for 6 shots on goal the entire game.
The Golden Grizzlies saw freshman Brooke Blackstock score in the 48th minute to open the second half. A late goal by sophomore Lorelai Miller in the 86th minute brought the score to its final 3-1.
Following these two losses, the Penguins overall record drops to 2-6-2 and 0-2-0 in the Horizon League standings.
The Penguins look to get back to even in the conference, as they have back-to-back home games against Indiana University Indianapolis at 6 p.m. Sept. 26, followed by Purdue University Fort Wayne at 1 p.m. Sept. 29, both at Farmers National Bank Field.
Each game will be shown on ESPN+. There will also be giveaways at both games, with lanyards for IU Indy and T-shirts for Purdue Fort Wayne.