Lady Engineers Fall Short Against #1 Washington University

Rose-Hulman gave the nation’s top-ranked team all it could handle Thursday night, but No. 1 Washington University in St. Louis eventually broke through for a 2-0 victory over the Fightin’ Engineers.

Sophomore goalkeeper Alicia Gonzalez turned in a career performance for Rose-Hulman. Gonzalez was tested almost immediately, making back-to-back saves in the opening three minutes before adding another stop off a WashU corner in the 11th.

Rose-Hulman created an opportunity of its own in the 21st minute when senior Riley Heasley fired an effort from well outside the penalty area, but WashU goalkeeper Suzie Green made the save.

The Bears finally broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. Grace Lynch played Madison Foley downfield, and Foley timed her run before finishing a one-on-one opportunity to send WashU into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.

Rose-Hulman continued battling after the break. Junior Sydnee Schuler drew a foul in the 61st minute to set up a free kick, and senior Ally Smith put an attempt toward the top of the goal that Green turned away with a leaping save.

Gonzalez continued keeping the Engineers within striking distance, including a one-handed stop against Emily Fox in the 66th minute.

WashU finally added some insurance in the 77th minute when Fox finished a feed from Foley and Grace Harper to make it 2-0.

Gonzalez made three additional saves over the final 10 minutes and finished with a career-high 10 stops. She posted an .833 save percentage against a WashU attack that entered the match averaging 10.7 goals per game.

The loss was Rose-Hulman’s first of the season, dropping the Fightin’ Engineers to 3-1. WashU improved to 4-0.

Rose-Hulman will look to bounce back Tuesday, September 15, when the Engineers travel to St. Louis to face Webster. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.