DECORAH, Iowa (Duhawks.com) – The Loras Women's Soccer team entered Saturday's contest in an unfamiliar position but a crucial goal by junior Katie Truesdale and stingy defense from senior Hannah Wilson provided the recipe Loras needed in a 1-nil win over Luther.
 
The Norse entered Saturday's contest with a 13-1 mark, with their only blemish coming in conference play against Coe. A win against Loras would've kept them in strong contention for a top seed in the upcoming Iowa Conference Tournament, but as fate would have it, the Duhawks had plans of their own.
 
In the opening minutes, Luther earned four corner kicks, but could not capitalize on any of them, only mustering one shot. The Duhawks' defense stood tall and prevented Luther from making long runs behind the back line.
 
At the 18-minute mark, junior Kat Hermanas subbed on and instantly provided a lift in the midfield. In the 20th minute, Truesdale took the feed from Hermanas and broke through the Luther back line. A last second tackle from behind Madison Speer earned a booking and gave Loras a free kick from 20 yards out from goal.
 
Off the set piece, senior Claire Murphy lightly touched the ball, putting the ball back into play. As if it were planned between the two former high school teammates, Truesdale laced her shot past the three-man wall and struck twine, giving Loras the one-goal lead.
 
Minutes later, Luther stepped up their offensive pressure in search of the equalizer. In the 24th minute, Elly Arend had her shot ping off the post and directed away from goal.
 
The second half consisted of Luther pressing forward trying to find a way to best Wilson and the defense, but each and every time, the Duhawks stood tall.
 
After making two saves in the first half, Wilson was tested six more times in the final 45 minutes, earning her third clean sheet of the season.
 
The win moves the Duhawks into contention for the Iowa Conference regular season title and brings them closer to a first round bye in the Iowa Conference Tournament.