Early Goal Sneaks Duhawks Past Titans

Danielle Vujovic's goal in the ninth minute of play was all that Loras College (Iowa) needed to defeat the UW-Oshkosh women's soccer team, 1-0, on Wednesday (Sept. 11) at J. J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium.

The Duhawks (5-1), ranked 19th in the NCAA Division III by D3soccer.com, controlled possession for most of the first half. At the 8:22 mark, Vujovic corralled a ball 15 yards in front of the net, planted and fired a shot. The kick soared over the outstretched hands of UW-Oshkosh goalkeeper Katie Berkopec and into the net.

Loras College attempted seven of the contest's first eight shots and finished with a 13-7 advantage. The Duhawks had a 4-3 lead in corner kicks.

Vujovic and Ailish Rispin each recorded three shots for Loras College, while Kristina Everding attempted two. The Titans (0-4-1) were led by the four shots from Nicole Palmquist.

Both goalkeepers went the distance, with Hannah Wilson stopping three shots in the shutout. Berkopec saved nine shots, including five in the second half.

Loras College has won all three of its games against UW-Oshkosh, including a 1-0 victory in the first round of the 2006 NCAA Division III Championship. Last year, the Duhawks captured the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title before losing in the third round of the NCAA Division III Championship.

UW-Oshkosh welcomed Katy Werginz, who served the U.S. Army in Iraq and Afghanistan, as honorary captain for its Patriot Day matches. Werginz scored 50 points, the sixth-highest total in UW-Oshkosh history, while playing for the Titans in 2001, 2004-05 and 2008.

The Titans travel to North Park University (Ill.) on Saturday (Sept. 14).

By Jon Feyen, UW-Oshkosh Sports Information