INDIANAPOLIS - The UIndy women's soccer team fell 2-1 in a close road matchup against the University of Illinois Springfield Prairie Stars.
The two teams traded possession early before the Prairie Stars were the first to test the opposing defense as they found a shot on goal, which was saved by Samarah Arendson in the sixth minute. Immediately after the save the Greyhounds showed tough defense, defending two corner kicks in the seventh minute.
The Greyhounds continued to be tested with shots on corners from the hosting Prairie Stars until Mia Bajic sent the first shot on target for the Hounds in the 21st minute.
The Hounds then found more control of possession as the first half progressed, inching their way down field, but still relying on the defense to keep the game even until the 45th minute.
With 13 seconds left in the first half Jaci Merchant lifted a picture perfect shot from outside the box that ended soaring over the UIS keeper's head and with her first collegiate goal giving UIndy a 1-0 lead entering half.
When the second half began the Prairie Stars tied up the game with a goal in the opening two minutes.
After the goal, UIS continued to challenge the Greyhound defense, but Arendsen continued to add saves in her best start of her UIndy career. Arendsen's 11 saves were the most by a Greyhound keeper this season and T-9th by a player in the GLVC this season.
Ella Higbie looked to give the Hounds back the lead with a shot in the 63rd minute, but it fell just off target.
Eventually the Prairie Stars found their first lead of the game, scoring in the 80th minute. Despite the efforts of UIndy and Emily DeWitt, who found the final shot of the game, the game came to a close 2-1.
The Greyhounds will return home Sunday, Oct. 11 at noon when they take on the Lincoln University Tigers.
