DETROIT, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University women's soccer team battled Wayne State to a 0-0 draw Friday afternoon in the first meeting between the two programs on the soccer field.
The Cardinals (8-4-1, 6-2-1 GLIAC) turned in a strong defensive performance, limiting the Warriors (7-1-3, 3-1-3 GLIAC) to just three shots on goal across 90 minutes. Ava Wilberding (Grand Rapids, Mich., Forest Hills Central HS) stopped all three to earn the clean sheet.
Saginaw Valley created the first opportunities of the afternoon. Grace Battershell (Rochester Hills, Mich., Adams HS) put an attempt on frame in the third minute before Emily Kolodin (Grand Blanc, Mich., Grand Blanc HS) forced another save just over two minutes later. Battershell tested the goalkeeper again in the 32nd minute as SVSU put three of its four first-half attempts on goal.
The Cardinal defense held Wayne State to just two shots during the opening 45 minutes, with only one reaching Wilberding. The Warriors earned a pair of corners midway through the half but were unable to turn either into a goal.
Wayne State applied more pressure after halftime, but the SVSU defense continued to limit quality chances. The Warriors attempted nine shots in the second half, but only two were on target. Wilberding stopped both, making saves in the 59th and 71st minutes to keep the match scoreless.
The Cardinals generated several chances of their own late in the match. Kolodin put a shot on goal in the 82nd minute before Abby Ellis (Waterford, Mich., Waterford Mott HS) forced another save in the 86th. Kylie Cesarek (Macomb, Mich., Dakota HS) produced SVSU's final opportunity with a shot on goal of a free kick in a dangerous position in the 89th minute, but it was saved to preserve the scoreless tie.
Wayne State finished with an 11-9 advantage in total shots, but Saginaw Valley held a 6-3 edge in shots on goal. Cesarek led the Cardinals with three attempts, while Battershell and Kolodin each recorded two. Wilberding finished with three saves for the shutout.
Up Next: Women's soccer is back at home on Sunday, October 11 when they host the Davenport Panthers. Kick off is scheduled for 1 PM at Robert C. Braddock Field
