PAINESVILLE, Ohio – The Lake Erie College women's soccer team fell 2-0 to Cedarville University on Thursday, October 8, in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) action. Despite a strong defensive effort highlighted by 11 saves from goalkeeper Morgan VanMeter, tying both her season and career high, the Storm were unable to overcome the Yellow Jackets' offensive pressure.
With the loss, Lake Erie moved to 3-7-3 overall and 2-6-1 in conference play, while Cedarville improved to 8-1-3 overall and 6-0-1 in the G-MAC.
Cedarville established an offensive presence early in the contest, generating several scoring opportunities throughout the opening half. VanMeter was called into action in the 16th minute, making her first save of the evening on a header from Audrey Stanley. She continued to anchor the Storm's defense, turning away additional attempts in the 23rd, 28th, 32nd, and 38th minutes.
Lake Erie created its best offensive opportunity in the 26th minute when Isabella Carvalho put a shot on goal, forcing Cedarville goalkeeper Anna Taylor to make a save.
Despite VanMeter's efforts, the Yellow Jackets broke through just before halftime. With 28 seconds remaining in the opening period, Ella Webb received a long pass, got behind the Lake Erie defense, and finished near the post to give Cedarville a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
The Yellow Jackets continued to apply pressure in the second half, but VanMeter remained a steady presence between the posts. She recorded three saves within the opening 11 minutes of the period, keeping the Storm within striking distance.
Lake Erie's defensive unit worked to limit Cedarville's opportunities as the second half progressed. VanMeter added another save in the 67th minute, turning away an attempt from Addy Bevak.
The Storm continued battling defensively throughout the closing minutes, with VanMeter making key stops in the 85th and 89th minutes to preserve the one-goal deficit.
However, Cedarville extended its lead in the 90th minute when Becca Schulenburg found the upper-right corner from approximately 20 yards out at the 89:07 mark, securing the 2-0 victory for the Yellow Jackets.
Cedarville finished with a 24-1 advantage in total shots, including a 13-1 edge in shots on goal. The Yellow Jackets also held a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks.
VanMeter played all 90 minutes in goal for the Storm, finishing with 11 saves to tie both her season and career high. Carvalho recorded Lake Erie's lone shot on goal.
Despite the result, the Storm's defensive effort and VanMeter's performance kept the contest competitive for much of the evening against one of the conference's top teams.
The Storm are back in action on Thursday Oct. 15 as they take on the Malone Pioneers at home.
