Ties are not typically great indicators of a team’s progress, but there was little doubt at the conclusion of the Archers’ 1-1 deadlock with Waubonsee College on Sunday was the latest element of a week-long season turnaround.
After allowing a goal in the 76th minute to break a , the Archers responded in kind when sophomore forward Jessica Roderick delivered a one-touch goal on a pass from fellow sophomore Emily Fox. Sophomore Paige Theby received the start in goal, and received credit for the tie by stopping six of seven shots on goal while playing all 90 minutes.
For a team that has been plagued by injuries throughout the first month of the season, the Archers’ performance represented a significant step forward, even without playing with a full lineup.
“We have turned a corner a bit, and we keep talking about how nice it’s going to be to have our whole lineup back together,” Archers head coach Erin Hesselbach said.
“One of the first things I complimented them on is how they fought back. Early in the season, when we gave up a goal, we’d put our heads down. Today, they fought back right away, and we’ll take a draw against this team with the injuries that we have right now.”
With the draw, the Archers’ record remained at .500 at 4-4-1. STLCC has allowed just one goal in its past three games, a span in which the Archers have outscored their opponents 6-1. Sunday’s game came on the heels of a 4-0 shutout victory over Lincoln College on September 17.
The Archers will return to action on Tuesday, when they travel to Belleville, Illinois to take on Southwestern Illinois College. Game time on Tuesday is 4 pm.