ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (Duhawks.com) – A quiet opening 45 turned into an exciting finale as freshman Maura Walsh notched a double in Loras' 2-1 victory over Augustana Sunday night. Senior Hannah Wilson was stellar in net once again, only surrendering one goal on eight shots she faced.
 
After Friday night's loss to Augsburg, the women regrouped on Saturday morning with a new sense of drive and determination.
 
"Today we came out and put everything else behind us," Walsh said. "We came out ready to play today and it showed."
 
The difference showed on Sunday as Loras was more clean and technical in all parts of the field. Most noticeably was their ability to create chances in the attacking third. Led primarily by junior Katie Truesdale, who registered three shots on the night, was a force in the attacking third, drawing multiple defenders to her position at times.
 
Both sides registered one shot on goal in the opening frame, resulting in the scoreless half. After the halftime break, Loras came out firing when Walsh broke through the Augustana backline 66 seconds into the half and slotted her delivery past a diving Meredith Chew. The goal was Walsh's second of the year after scoring the game-winner against Carroll University last Tuesday.
 
"Maura's been around our program for three years now when she came for our high school camp," Rothert said. "We kept after her and all things ended with her coming to Loras and we couldn't be happier."
 
The Vikings didn't take kindly to the deficit and immediately adjusted their style to become more direct.
 
Their adjustment worked well, as they were rewarded with a goal in the 60'. Jessa Rizzo served a cross into the box and on the volley, Kelly Farrel sent it past Wilson to equalize.
 
The sides remained even at one for 15 minutes before Walsh returned to be the hero. Loras pushed forward and through the run of play junior Abby Maier, Walsh found herself open at the top of the 18. With a light touch, Walsh sent a screamer just under the bar and out of the reach of Chew for the game-winner.
 
With their backs to the wall and on their home field, Augustana threw everything they had at Wilson and the Loras defense. Augustana's best chance came in the 85' when Rizzo sent a driving shot to the far post. Wilson saw it the whole way and went all-out to reach the upper 90 and keep Loras in front.
 
"Rothert said before our game today that winning heals all," Wilson said. "So we're hoping that this win carries us into Wednesday and then Wednesday carries us into the weekend."
 
With the win, moves Loras to 3-2 overall. They'll have three more contests in the coming week. The Duhawks will play a midweek contest at Carthage College on Wednesday before heading to Minnesota for two matches on the weekend.