NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University women's soccer team scored early but settled for a 1-1 tie with Saint Anselm in the 2025 home opener on Friday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex.
The 20th ranked Wildcats remain unbeaten to open the season, starting 2-0-1 now after the tie with Saint Anselm. The Hawks are now 1-0-1 on the young season.
The top of the formation pounced on an early mistake by the Hawk's backline, leading to the Wildcats' lone goal. Sierra Bartley intercepted a pass in the Hawks' defensive end and quickly played it forward to Eboni Bradshaw down the middle of the field. Bradshaw finished the shot to the far post, giving the Wildcats a 1-0 lead just 7:45 into the contest.
Saint Anselm settled in and held possession for the majority of the first half. But they weren't able to find the back of the net until the final minute before the break. The Hawks executed a set piece to perfection, playing a short ball to the top of the 18-yard box. Kaitlyn LeBrun received the ball at the near post and her shot ricocheted off a Wilmington defender and changed course on Arianna Myers, finding the back of the net with 30 seconds showing on the clock.
The Hawks kept the pressure on in the second half but couldn't find the final piece to break the tie. The Wildcats had multiple chances with crosses coming in from the corner, but Saint Anselm goalkeeper Samantha Swidorski was able to come off her line and make the plays in the box to cancel the threat. The Hawks had one final chance with less than a minute to play, but the shot from Camryn Doyle sailed over the crossbar.
Saint Anselm led the game in shots, 15-5, and narrowly in corners, 4-3. Myers made three saves in goal for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, as they will play Southern New Hampshire to wrap up the WIlmU Invite at the WU Athletics Complex. The Wildcats and Penmem will begin at 1:30 p.m.
