WINONA, Minn. --- The Winona State soccer team battled Northern State throughout Sunday afternoon before the Wolves scored the game-winning goal with less than eight minutes remaining in a 3-2 decision at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.
The Warriors fell to 0-4 (0-2 NSIC) with the loss, while the Wolves improved to 2-1-1 (1-0-1 NSIC).
Madison Barnick and Jacey Sturek each scored for the Warriors, while Kyleigh Jannisch recorded an assist. Faith Quinn led Winona State with two shots, while Adrianna Bixby added one shot on goal. Northern State held a 9-5 advantage in shots, while goalkeeper Abigail Rounds made four saves for the Warriors.
Winona State looked to strike early, with Bixby recording the Warriors' first shot just 3:17 into the match. Northern State answered at the 15:25 mark when Jaylee Hofer found the low right corner of the goal to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead. The Warriors responded six minutes later when Sturek scored her first goal of the season. Jannisch set up the scoring opportunity with the assist, pulling Winona State even at 1-1.
The Wolves regained the lead at the 27:16 mark when Ella Johnson scored to put Northern State ahead 2-1. Northern State added one more shot on goal before halftime, but Rounds made the save to keep the Warriors within one.
Winona State continued to pressure the Wolves early in the second half, with Quinn recording a shot on goal 12 minutes into the period.Three minutes later, Barnick leveled the match with her first goal of the season, finding the left side of the net to make it 2-2.
Both teams battled defensively through the middle portion of the second half, keeping the match tied as the clock continued to wind down. Northern State broke through with less than eight minutes remaining when Chloe Voss scored the eventual game-winning goal to give the Wolves a 3-2 lead. Winona State continued to battle in the final minutes but could not find the equalizer.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Northern State defeated Winona State 3-2.
- Barnick and Sturek each scored for the Warriors.
- Jannisch recorded an assist.
- Quinn led WSU with two shots.
- Northern State held a 9-5 advantage in shots.
- Winona State recorded four saves, while Northern State had two.
NEWS & NOTES
- WSU fell to 0-4 overall and 0-2 in NSIC play.
- NSU improved to 2-1-1 overall and 1-0-1 in NSIC play.
- Winona State leads the all-time series 20-8-3.
- Barnick and Sturek each scored their first goal of the season.
- Jannisch recorded her first assist of the season.
UP NEXT
Winona State will hit the road for the first time this season, traveling to Minot State on Friday, Sept. 13, at 5:30 p.m. before facing UMary on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 1 p.m.
Stay connected with Winona State University Athletics all season long by following the Warriors on social media at @WinonaStateATH (X/Instagram), @winonastatewarriors (YouTube) and Winona State Warrior Athletics (Facebook). Catch full schedules, scores and stories at winonastatewarriors.com.
