OBERLIN, Ohio – Junior midfielder Kenna Stones (Dresden/Tri-Valley) scored both goals to propel the Baldwin Wallace University women's soccer team to a 2-0 non-conference victory over Oberlin College on Fred Schults Field.
BW (4-2), who has scored its last three goals off of corner kick headers, improved to 7-2-3 in their last 12 matchups against Oberlin (2-3).
The first half presented a relatively conservative affair between both teams as the shots on goal for the frame were in favor of the Yellow Jackets 1-0. The one shot on goal for BW proved to be significant as it represented the first goal of the game. In the 21st minute, Stones rose up above a handful of Oberlin defenders to knock in a header off a corner kick taken by senior midfielder Kenna Poptic (Dublin/Jerome).
History seemed to have had repeated itself less than 10 minutes into the second half, when Stones and Poptic reenacted their corner kick header goal combo for third straight time to put the Yellow Jackets up 2-0. Stones and Poptic, who are now tied for the team lead in scoring with six points, are the team leaders in goals and assists, repectively. BW managed to outplay their opponents for the entirety of the second half by possessing the ball in the offensive half of the field and applying pressure with many corner kicks. The Yellow Jackets' stellar play continued until the closing buzzer, and eventually cemented the victory.
When asked about Stones and Poptic's successfully executed go-to play, they know that it takes more than just them two.
"It takes a lot to get set up in that position," Stones said. "It's a play that needs help from everybody. We talked about having fun tonight and coming out with intensity. So, I think we did a really good job of that and everybody had a great game."
Poptic agreed when asked about her team's overall performance. "I think it went really well tonight. Our defense was solid, we were to playing for each other and making sure to get back. Our offense was really helpful getting up the field, forcing corners and applying pressure. I think we did very well."
Senior goalkeeper Emma Bruno (Pittsburgh, Pa./Bethel Park) returned in net for BW after a two-game absence and continued right where she left off. Through four games and an impressive 375:39 of gameplay, she has still yet to allow a goal this season. The veteran keeper made one save in tonight's contest, earning her 16th career shutout and improving her record to 4-0.
The Yellow Jackets return to the pitch on Saturday, September 14, when they travel to Pittsburgh, Pa. to take on non-conference opponent Carlow (Pa.) University at noon.
