WICHITA, Kan. – A late goal from Jenna Elledge and another strong defensive performance propelled the Colorado State University Pueblo women's soccer team to a 1-0 road victory over Newman on Sunday at Wilkins Field.
With the win, the ThunderWolves improve to 2-3-1 on the season and close out the nonconference portion of their schedule with a victory.
After playing to a scoreless draw through the opening 80 minutes, Elledge delivered the difference-maker in the 81st minute. The Pack forward found the back of the net at the 80:45 mark for her first goal of the season and the eventual game-winner.
"Today was all about grinding out a result after a difficult day on Friday," CSU Pueblo Head Coach John Constable said. "Typically our good results start from defending properly as a team and that was the case today. Proud of our group for getting the job done and really proud of Jenna Elledge for stepping up and scoring a quite remarkable goal for us. We look forward to conference play starting on Thursday."
The ThunderWolves were held to just two shots during the opening half, but the offense came alive following halftime. CSU Pueblo fired 10 shots over the final 45 minutes, including several opportunities from Kenna Snyder before Elledge broke the deadlock.
Snyder led the Pack attack with four shots, placing three on goal, while Elledge finished with three attempts and two shots on frame. Baylie Reedy added two shots, while Madi Reardon, Caytlynn Garland and Mackenzie Fryxell each recorded one.
In goal, Peppi Niemi continued her strong start to the season and recorded her second clean sheet. Niemi played all 90 minutes and made three saves, including two during the opening half, to keep Newman off the scoreboard.
Newman finished with a narrow 13-12 advantage in total shots, but CSU Pueblo held a 6-3 edge in shots on goal. The Jets also finished with a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks.
The Pack's defense protected the one-goal advantage over the final nine-plus minutes. Newman managed two late attempts following Elledge's goal, but neither found the target as CSU Pueblo secured its second shutout victory of the season.
CSU Pueblo will remain on the road and begin Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play Thursday, Sept. 17, when the ThunderWolves travel to Gunnison to take on Western Colorado. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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