Weidler makes history as DWU cruises past Lancers

YANKTON, S.D. – It was a historic night for senior forward Alyssa Weidler (Sioux Falls, S.D.) as she became the leader in career goals scored in program history, as the Dakota Wesleyan University women's soccer team cruised past Mount Marty University, 6-2 Wednesday in Yankton, S.D.

 The Great Plains Athletic Conference matchup began slow for both teams as no goals were scored through the opening 20 minutes. Despite no goals, the Tigers (7-2, 5-2 GPAC) recorded six shots and three corner kicks.

 Finally, in the 26^th minute, Josephine Bardsley (Tea, S.D.) opened the scoring with a goal thanks to an assist by Weidler.

 With under 10 minutes to play in the half, Weidler tallied her first goal of the contest off a penalty kick. Just moments before halftime, Megan Hertzog (Salinas, Calif.) added the third goal of the half for DWU as the Tigers took a 3-0 lead into halftime.

 Less than 10 minutes into the second period, the Lancers (0-4, 0-3) recorded their first goal of the game to pull within two goals. Moments later, Taylor Dunn of Mount Marty recorded her second goal to make it a one-goal game.

 However, six minutes later, Bardsley took a penalty kick that found the back of the net to give the Tigers some breathing room. Bardsley and Weidler connected for another goal with 11 minutes to play, as Bardsley dished the ball to Weidler for the goal.

 Deandrea Johnson (Antioch, Calif.) added an insurance goal with minutes to play off Bardsley's third assist of the game to notch the 6-2 victory.

 The Tigers outshot the Lancers 25-6, as Weidler finished with a pair of goals and an assist. Bardsley recorded a two assists along with her two goals. Hannah Bowes (Omaha, Neb.) started in the goal for DWU as she pitched a shutout through the opening half.

 DWU is scheduled to host Briar Cliff University for a GPAC matchup at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Pepsi-Cola Soccer Complex.