The Elmhurst University women's soccer team came up short in a 3-1 road loss to Illinois Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon at Neis Field in Bloomington, Ill. The Bluejays played evenly through stretches of both halves and produced multiple scoring chances, but a late surge from the Titans proved to be the difference.
Illinois Wesleyan opened the scoring in the eighth minute before doubling its advantage early in the second half. Elmhurst responded with strong pressure over the final 10 minutes, breaking through in the 81st minute when Maddie Cummings found the back of the net for her fifth goal of the season. Nora Simon led the Bluejay attack with four total shots, including three on goal, while Ellie Muscarello and Emily Herlihy each recorded attempts on target.
Goalkeeper Erin Fitzharris turned in another strong performance, totaling six saves on 19 shots faced while playing all 90 minutes in net. Her four first-half saves helped keep Elmhurst within striking distance, and the Bluejays' back line—anchored by Grace Bray and Katelyn Guolla—held firm through several extended Titan possessions.
Elmhurst finished the match with 11 total shots and five corner kicks, generating its highest offensive output in conference play this season. The Bluejays move to 9-5-2 overall and 1-4-1 in the CCIW.
The Bluejays will look to regroup and finish the conference slate strong as they return home next week to Langhorst Field.