Box Score Tensions run high and jitters abound in a season opener for any athletic team. That was certainly the case for the Wheeling Jesuit women's soccer team on Thursday night as the Cardinals hosted the Walsh University Cavaliers in their non-conference season opener at Bishop Schmitt Field.
While four freshmen took the wrapper off their collegiate careers, junior goalkeeper Holly Kraus (Avon, Ohio/Avon) held down the fort with four great saves in the first half.  The first 45 minutes witnessed back and forth play and a strong defensive effort from Wheeling Jesuit.  The half ended 0-0.
 
In the second half, Wheeling Jesuit calmed their nerves and went on the offensive against the visiting Cavaliers.  The Lady Cardinals had multiple opportunities to draw first blood, however most of the second half remained scoreless.
 
Walsh defenseman Maddy Novak broke the deadlock with a shot from point blank range assisted by forward Kristen Conti with 7:54 remaining in regulation.
 
Senior forward Allison Geary (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson) responded with the game-tying goal for WJU with just 1:40 left in the game.  The play began with an attempted shot by senior midfielder Olivia Vanhoose (Charleston, W.Va/George Washington).  The ball landed short of the Walsh goalkeeper, who came out slightly to play the ball.  The ball bounced high over the goalkeeper's head to the waiting foot of Geary who drove the ball into the net from the left pipe.
 
The rest of regulation remained scoreless, ending 1-1.
 
Two overtimes featuring back-and-forth play with opportunities for both Wheeling Jesuit and Walsh University ended in the same fashion.  Final Score - Wheeling Jesuit 1 Walsh University 1.
 
"We are very pleased with the overall effort tonight. We defended well, our goaltender was stellar, and we faced adversity with a tremendous fighting spirit by coming up with a goal at the end of the game to put it into overtime. We had four freshmen begin their careers tonight and we are excited about where we are headed, " stated Head Coach Carrie Hanna.
 
The women's soccer program returns to action this Saturday, September 6 with an away game at Lake Erie College, an away game at Notre Dame College on September 13th, before returning home on September 17th against the Blue Knights of Urbana University.
 
GAME Notes:  WJU Goaltender Holly Kraus had 7 saves.  Walsh University scored 1 goal on 20 attempts while Wheeling Jesuit scored 1 goal on 7 attempts.