In their first preseason match of the 2014 season, Loras couldn’t get the offense in motion, finishing with a 0-0 draw to Ashford University. Junior Abby Maier led Loras with two shots on goal, while senior Hannah Wilson turned away both shots she faced.
In the NAIA preseason poll, Ashford was ranked 20thafter a 13-4-0 finish in 2013. They returned 13 letterwinners from last year’s squad, led by junior Alicia Tamburro who led the Saints with eight goals and five assists, including two game-winners. Ashford would be forced to play without her as she was absent from the lineup.
For most of the match, Loras felt the growing pains as a number of forward runs went without reward. The combination of senior Claire Murphy and junior Katie Truesdale opened up lanes early on, but neither were able to capitalize on their chances.
In the final 30 minutes, the Duhawks were able to break through and challenge Ashford keeper Nyla Peterkin, who turned away three saves. Loras’ best chance of the night came in the 64′ when seniorAlexa Eggert took the directed pass from Murphy and tried to go top-shelf on Peterkin. An acrobatic leap and reach pushed the would-be goal just over the bar.
