CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois women's soccer was unable to make a first-half goal from Rachel Hamilton standup, as IUPUI responded with a pair of unanswered scores en route to a 2-1 exhibition victory over the Panthers Saturday afternoon.

 

Hamilton scored EIU's first goal of the preseason off an assist from Sophie Somers in approximately the 27th minute. Somers prevented the ball from going out of bounds along the left sideline and eventually found Hamilton, who had a step on an IUPUI defender, near the middle of the field. The sophomore took one touch before knocking the ball into the right side of the net. She suffered a minor injury on the play but was able to return later in the game.

 

But IUPUI tied the game in the 34th minute and won the contest with the lone goal of the second half in the 71st minute.

 

Stacy Levack netted the game-tying score on a lengthy strike from the left sideline that eventually found the top right-hand corner of the net. The game-winner came off the foot Angie Pilat following an accurate left-to-right cross. Pilat corralled and scored in a hurry, giving EIU goalkeeper Kaylin Lorbert little time to react.

 

IUPUI's starting goalkeeper Jamie Farrell kept her team in the game with five saves in 75 minutes of action but it was backup Maeghan Parks that preserved the win. With about five minutes remaining in the contest, Parks prevented Alexis Miller from tying the game. With a dive to her right, Parks was able to get her fingertips on a cross-the-box strike and then got up and pounced on the loose ball.

 

Kellie Floyd, Rebecca Holcomb and Caitlyn Eisenhauer also had solid scoring chances in the first half but Farrell was able to make a save on each occasion. After the break, EIU missed wide right on a few more opportunities.

 

“The understanding and execution of our team concept from last Saturday to today was excellent," EIU head coach Tim Nowak said. "I expect us to continue to make positive strides in preparation for our season-opener Friday. The difference in today's game was individual moments within the team system. We had some chances to make some plays and didn't, and that was the difference in the game. I think we're on the right track and I look forward to getting on the road and heading to Michigan.”

 

Michelle Steinhaus led all players with five shots, putting two on goal.

 

Jenny Williams and Lorbert once again split time in net, with each 'keeper playing a half. Williams made one save during her 45 minutes and Lorbert stopped three shots in the second half.

With their exhibition schedule complete, the Panthers will open their regular-season slate Friday at Eastern Michigan. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. (CDT).