Box Score WHITEWATER, WIS. — It was a defensive struggle for the Central College women's soccer team Wednesday night as it fell 1-0 to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Tiesday night.
           
In a game that featured 12 total shots, the Dutch (5-7-2) could not match the Warhawks (8-4-3) goal in the 39th minute.
           
"It was a real even match," coach Mike Kobylinski said. "It was a good battle between teams from two good conferences."
           
Goalkeeper Leann Grandia (sophomore, West Des Moines, Valley HS) made two saves in the contest and only gave up one "unlucky" goal.
           
"Their goal was a shot off the post that rebounded towards another one of their players," Kobylinski said. "It was a bit unlucky, but to be fair they were really pushing the envelope. Leann played well and made some nice saves."
           
A youthful defensive group of junior Cate Christopherson (Omaha, Neb., North HS), sophomore Ceora LeClaire (Des Moines, Carlisle HS) and freshmen Bridget Lynch (Northglenn, Colo., Jefferson Academy) and Alyssa Knuth (St. Joseph, Mich.) held strong in the back row.
           
"Our backline really impressed me tonight," Kobylinski said. "Steph Noble (senior, Huntley, Ill.) also subbed in well."
           
Forward Erin Manion (senior, Delafield, Wis., Kettle Moraine HS) attempted three of the team's five shots. Jacie Borman (midfielder, Eagan, Minn.) and Lynch attempted the other two.
           
"Erin had a nice game in the attack," Kobylinski said. "Jacie also did well."
           
Central returns home to A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex for a 1 p.m. match against Wartburg Saturday.
           
"It's been a hard stretch but I think we are peaking at the right time," Kobylinski said.