ERIC THIELE ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
The Knights women’s soccer team played to a 2-2 tie at Loras on Saturday, marking their second tie of the season.
The game started off quickly as Kelsey Kovacevich found the back of the net unassisted to give the No. 9-ranked Knights a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute.
The lead didn’t last long as Loras struck back to tie the game in the 32nd minute.
The Duhawk goal ended Christina Ernst’s 1132 scoreless minute streak.
However, the Knights came right back in the 40th minute with a goal from Annie Fangman to give them the lead.
The Knights couldn’t hold on to the lead as the Duhawks tied it up in the 80th minute.
“I think that our girls learned a lot with having to give up some goals. They had to lock it down defensively. A tie on the road is a very good result,” head coach T.J. Buchholz said.
On Wednesday, the Knights hosted Cornell and defeated them, 7-0, clinching a berth in the Iowa Conference tournament.
“I think we played some good soccer this week. We came out and were able to take care of a tough conference game at home,” Buchholz said.
The Knights scored early and often, starting in the fourth minute with a goal from Kovacevich with the assist from Jess Macauley.
Chelsea Frye then added another goal, with an assist from Lauren Thomas in the seventh minute to make it 2-0.
Taylor Vermie scored her first of three goals in the 12th minute, assisted by Katy Wendt.
Vermie added the next goal in the 18th minute, with the assist from Macauley.
Vermie scored the final goal during the 49th minute with an assist by Kaylee Benning.
Buchholz said it wasn’t a surprise to see Vermie get the hat trick.
“She plays the outside mid and it’s not an easy thing to do for an outside mid. Taylor’s got a great shot and redirecting one touch balls. She does a great job with placing and scoring,” he said.
The Knights improved their record to 14-0-2 to remain undefeated on the season.
“We haven’t lost but we need to keep focused. We have to stay fresh and hungry. We need to keep motivated, and we want to accomplish a lot of things this season,” Buchholz said.
The Knights will travel to Cedar Rapids on Wednesday to face Coe at 1 p.m.
Photo: Brittni Lair fights for the ball against Cornell last Wednesday. She recorded a goal during the first half of the Knights' 7-0 victory. Photo by Amanda Gahler