KOKOMO, Ind. — Behind three different goal scorers and matching three-point performances from Addison Waller and Kaitlyn Swartzendruber, the IU Kokomo women's soccer team earned a crucial 3-1 River States Conference victory over IU Columbus Thursday evening.
The Cougars improved to 5-8-2 overall and 3-2-1 in conference play with the win, while the Crimson Pride fell to 6-6-1 overall and 1-4 in RSC action. IU Kokomo controlled much of the contest offensively, outshooting IU Columbus 20-10, including a commanding 15-4 advantage in the opening half.
Waller continued to emerge as an offensive contributor for the Cougars, recording her first goal and assist of the season, while Swartzendruber added a goal and an assist of her own. Avery Wilson supplied the eventual game-winner late in the first half.
First Half
- IU Kokomo established an early attacking presence, generating several opportunities before Waller broke through in the 17th minute. The junior found the back of the net at 16:23 for her first goal of the season, putting the Cougars ahead 1-0.
- The Cougars continued to apply pressure following the opener, producing six shots over a seven-minute stretch midway through the half. Waller and Kaiya Money each forced saves as IU Kokomo looked to extend its advantage.
- IU Columbus found an equalizer in the 36th minute when Madison Merritt capitalized on a rebound following a save by Cougar goalkeeper Liz Godfrey, leveling the match at 1-1.
- IU Kokomo responded less than four minutes later, as Swartzendruber connected beautifuly with Wilson for the go-ahead goal at 39:01. Wilson's finish restored the Cougars' advantage at 2-1 heading into halftime.
Second Half
- The Cougars picked up where they left off offensively, with Madison Balf testing the IU Columbus goalkeeper early in the second half before Charity Lewis delivered a corner kick.
- After weathering a brief stretch of Crimson Pride pressure, IU Kokomo doubled its advantage in the 61st minute. Waller connected with Swartzendruber, who finished the opportunity at 60:06 to give the Cougars a 3-1 lead.
- The goal completed a three-point evening for both Waller and Swartzendruber, with each contributing a goal and an assist in the conference victory.
- IU Kokomo continued to generate opportunities down the stretch, with Swartzendruber, Money and Balf recording additional shots as the Cougars protected their two-goal advantage to secure the win.
Top Performers
The Cougars will look to build on Thursday's victory when they travel to Montgomery, W.Va., for a conference matchup against WVU Tech on Saturday, Oct. 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM at Paul Cline Memorial Sports Complex.
For the latest news, updates and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, X and Instagram.
