NEWARK, Del. - - Making its 2023 home debut, the Wilmington University women's soccer team played to a 0-0 draw with regionally-ranked Saint Anselm on Sunday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex.
Saint Anselm (0-1-3), ranked No. 9 in the initial United Soccer Coaches East Region Poll, went on to outshoot the Wildcats (1-1-1), 17-7, but both teams had chances to find the back of the net. Maggie Warner made two saves for the Hawks while Mio Nakajima made eight stops for the Wildcats, including tipping two shots up and over the crossbar.
The Wildcats started the contest with momentum, getting the best of their first-half chances in the opening 15 minutes. The Wildcats had three corners in the opening minutes but Julie Yuhase's one-on-one with the keeper got tipped away, a shot from Emilie Larsen sailed high, and a header by Julia Yuhase was redirected just wide to keep the game scoreless.
Alyssa Ruggeri had the team's best chance in the second half, hitting the crossbar in the 65th minute. Kailynn Ortiz had a chance from the right side in the 74th minute, but Maggie Warner made a diving save to her left, knocking the ball out of bounds for a corner.
The Wildcats are home again this Wednesday afternoon when they welcome Molloy to the WU Athletics Complex. The opening whistle is set for 4:00 p.m. against the Lions.
