LACROSSE, Wis. – A standout performance from Tommie goalkeeper Olivia Elvidge led the St. Thomas women’s soccer team (10-1 MIAC, 19-2 overall) to a 1-0 victory over Knox College (13-6-3) in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Forward Kaley Roberts scored the game’s only goal of the match off of a header in the fifth minute of play. The game was Roberts’ first NCAA tournament appearance.
“I have the whole midfield and backline supporting me, but more than anything, it’s incredible to come in and prove that we deserve to be here,” Roberts said. “Today showed that we can come in here and play any team.”
An on-field temperature of 23 degrees during the game created harsh conditions for players on the field.
Tommie coach Sheila McGill said it wasn’t the teams best performance but wass satisfied with the win nonetheless..
“The early goal was key. It’s a 90-minute game and, as we saw at the end, they are going to put everything forward,” McGill said, “but for us to keep that high pace and high intensity in their half was really good.”
The Prairie Fire almost scored in the 81st minute of the game, but a heroic head-on save from Elvidge kept the Tommies in front. Elvidge made four total saves.
“This has been my third NCAA tournament game and my second with a clean sheet, and it’s something that I really strive for,” Elvidge said. “I just had enough time to dive in front of her and make the save.”
St. Thomas faces Wisconsin-LaCrosse Sunday at Veterans Memorial field. The Tommies have already played the Eagles once this season, recording a 4-0 win Sept. 9. 4-0 on Sept. 9.
Jacob Schneider can be reached at schn6923@stthomas.edu