Weidler’s hat trick leads DWU over Chargers

SIOUX CITY, Iowa. – Behind Alyssa Wiedler's (Sioux Falls, S.D.) three-goal performance and great defense, the Dakota Wesleyan University women's soccer team picked up a Great Plains Athletic Conference win on the road on Wednesday in Sioux City, Iowa.

 The Tigers (6-10, 4-7 GPAC) only had one shot in the first half but DWU executed on that shot, as Weidler scored on a penalty kick 15^th minute to give the Tigers an early 1-0 advantage. Briar Cliff (8-8-1, 7-4 GPAC) recorded seven shots in the first half and put the pressure on the Tiger defense as goalie Hannah Bowes (Omaha, Neb.) recorded five saves in the first half. Both teams headed to halftime with a 1-0 lead for DWU.

 The Chargers answered seven minutes into the second half with a goal of their own to even the score at one. Briar Cliff continued to put on the offensive pressure as the Chargers fired off 15 second half shots. But, DWU scored two unanswered goals in the second half. Weidler tallied the goals in the 69^th minute and the game clincher in the 82^nd minute to secure the road victory 3-1.

 Weidler finished with four shots and three goals, as Josephine Bardsley (Tea, S.D.) had the other shot for DWU as the Tigers finished the match with five shots. Bowes delivered a spectacular game as she stop 10 shots on 11 shots on goal.

 DWU will be back at home on senior day to battle Morningside College at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Pepsi-Cola Soccer Complex in Mitchell.