Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College women's soccer team secured a 5-4 win against Nebraska Wesleyan at Abel Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Sunday. The result brings Illinois College to a 2-0 record early in the season, while Nebraska Wesleyan falls to 0-2.

Nebraska Wesleyan opened the scoring just over 22 minutes into the match. Illinois College responded with five consecutive goals, establishing a 5-1 lead. Olivia Ralston scored for Illinois College at the 25:27 mark after receiving passes from Lexi Van Dyke and Katy Adler. Adler followed up with her first collegiate goal three minutes later, putting Illinois College ahead for good.

Illinois College led 2-1 at halftime. Early in the second half, Aliza Rodriguez scored her second goal of the season off an assist from Erin O'Connell. Ralston added another goal about seven minutes later, assisted by Adler once again. Rodriguez increased the lead to four with another goal less than three minutes later, marking Adler’s third assist of the day.

Nebraska Wesleyan mounted a late comeback attempt with three goals but could not close the gap before time expired.

Ralston and Adler each took three shots to lead Illinois College's offense. Goalkeeper Jesse Trost earned her first collegiate start and made eight saves during the match.

Illinois College will continue its road schedule on Wednesday when it visits Augustana in Rock Island, Illinois, with kickoff set for 6:00 p.m.