Stiltner Connects with Game Winner, Clintches a Home Playoff Game

Wheeling, WV, Oct. 31, 2009--- Wheeling Jesuit women's soccer Senior Day began with four hours of pouring rain, destroying any chance to play the last regular season home game against Pitt-Johnstown on the James LaRosa Soccer Staduim field.  Due to field conditions, the Cardinals were forced to play on the top field on the campus which is used for practice and conditions like today.   The women needed a win to host the first round of the WVIAC Conference Tournament and a chance for the five seniors to play at the stadium one more time.

In the first period, the field deteriorated rapidly to a very slick muddy surface and a ball played to the middle of the field often died.  despite the field conditions the Cardinals managed to attempt 10 shots in the opening half and 25 for the game.  UPJ's Kristin Kelly scored in the 11th minute on a free from 30 yards out.  Upj would take a lead into the break.

In the second half, the Cardinals attempted 11 shots connecting in the 61st minute when junior Hanna Walker sent a ball off the goalie and junior Kara Houston cleaned up the rebound for her 23rd goal of the season.  After tying the game 1-1, the Cardinals failed to score and the game would go to overtime.
Wheeling Jesuit would missed the net on two shot attempts in the first overtime period.  The game would move to a second overtime and the final chance to secure a home playoff game.  In the 106th minute, freshman Amy Stiltner found the back of the net off a pass from Hannah Walker to bring home a tournament game and give the seniors a chance to play in James LaRosa Stadium again.

Senior Jessica Park earned the decision for Wheeling Jesuit on four saves.

Wheelling Jesuit will play host to Seton Hill University in the WVIAC Quarter-Final game on Monday, November 2nd at 7:00 p.m.