Despite a first-half goal that netted Bethany University the lead at halftime, William Jessup University overpowered the Bruins, 4-1, in California Conference play on Oct. 9.
The first half of the game was controlled by Jessup’s offense, but Bethany freshman goalie Tianna Wehby made more than 13 saves, including at least four diving stops, before halftime.
“Tianna is amazing in the air,” coach Nate Shipley said. “She gets her hands on anything that comes towards her.”
Wehby also had help from a strong backline of defenders, including Monica O’Daniels and Hannah Wiesner.
The only real opportunity for Bethany to score in the first half was in the 42nd minute, when sophomore Justine Wilson got her feet on a corner kick from freshman Sierra Licata 15 yards from the goal and nailed the ball into the left side of the net. The goal gave Bethany a 1-0 lead at halftime.
“I pushed up into the box, and the ball just dropped in front of me and I kicked it in,” Wilson said. “We need to possess a little more even when tired, stick through the whole game, work the whole 90 minutes.”
Ten minutes into the second half of play, Jessup sophomore Elli Tremblay evened the score with a header into the net from a corner kick by freshman Dallas Butterfield.
After more aggressive, back-and-forth play from both teams, Jessup junior Lyndsey Cesena came in from the left side and scored, making the score 2-1.
On Jessup’s third goal, Wehby went to the ground fighting to keep the ball out of the net before sophomore Hekla Goodman and junior Gabby Leon worked to give Jessup a two-goal advantage. Tremblay scored Jessup’s fourth goal with only minutes remaining.
“Fatigue was a factor, and the mental game took a hit with William Jessup’s first goal,” Shipley said. “Overall, our desire to do well at home showed in the level of play by the girls.”
The win for Jessup moved that team to 3-0 in conference and dropped Bethany to 1-3.
