On October 2, the UNI women’s soccer team traveled to Evansville to take on the Purple Aces. The Panthers have been very successful lately, winning four in a row and seven of their last nine games. Despite their long run, the Panthers lost to the Purple Aces with a final score of 3-1.

Evansville came into the game with a record of 2-9-1. Although the team only has two wins, one of those came against the conference leader, the Drake Bulldogs. The Purple Aces  who have yet to win a game at home and were looking to get back on track in Sunday’s game against UNI.

Evansville was quick to score the first goal of the night — Montana Portenier scored her second goal of the season just four minutes into the game. Later on in the first period, Purple Aces’ JBess Ruby scored her first goal of the season with the assist by Bronwyn Boswell.

Four minutes later Mikayla Harvey added to Evansville’s lead, making the score 3-0. The Panthers finally got on the board in the second period, during the 54th minute. Sarah Brandt scored her fifth goal of the year on a penalty kick.

Unfortunately, UNI could not pull through for the victory, losing 3-1. Maddie Lesjak struggled at goal keeper, allowing three goals in 70 minutes, before Whitney Blunt came in to finish out the game. Throughout the game, the Panthers could not find an offensive rhythm. The team had only nine total shots, four less than their average.

UNI will play their next game on Oct. 8, when they travel to Indiana State. The Sycamores come into the game with a record of 6-8, and coming off a loss to the Tennessee Volunteers.

A year ago, Indiana State traveled to Waterloo to play the Panthers. Both teams were unable to score, and ended the game in a tie, 0-0.