WSOC Rallies For 4-1 Win At Butler

The Marquette University women's soccer team (6-3-1, 2-0-0 BIG EAST) wrapped up its two-match road swing with a 4-1 victory at Butler (3-6-1, 0-2-0 BIG EAST) Sunday afternoon in BIG EAST action.

The victory was the first for the Golden Eagles since the 2016 campaign against Butler, snapping a run of six-straight setbacks. Marquette, which scored four-unanswered goals on Sunday, is 2-0 to start BIG EAST play for the first time since 2014.

For different MU players scored, with sophomore Kate Gibson leading the way with a goal and two assists.

"Credit to our team for executing the game plan and capitalizing on our opportunities," head coach Frank Pelaez said. "Butler is a well-disciplined, possession-oriented team and it was great to see contributions from so many different players.

"We might bend a bit, but we don't break," Pelaez added. "It's been a bit since we have defeated Butler, so it was great to get a win for those who hadn't been able to the last few years."

For the second-straight match Marquette fell behind 1-0 early, this time allowing a goal in the sixth minute. Butler controlled possession for a majority of the first half, but Marquette was able to convert on its first shot of the afternoon. Forward Elsi Twombly headed home her second score of the campaign at the 27:31 mark, finishing a perfect cross from Gibson.

The Golden Eagles moved ahead 2-1 in the closing moments of the first half on sophomore Caroline Cline's first-career goal. Gibson picked up her second assist of the afternoon, directing a corner kick from classmate Molly Keiper to the middle of the box and Cline headed the ball off a Bulldog defender.

Just 22 seconds into the second half, senior Elizabeth Bueckers headed home the team's third goal on a nice cross from Twombly and seven minutes later Gibson netted her third of the season, beating the keeper to the ball inside the box.

Goalie Chloe Olson finished with four saves, including a couple of diving opportunities for the Bulldogs.

Marquette returns to action Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. when the team hosts Creighton at Valley Fields.

Keep up with the Marquette University women's soccer team through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteWSOC) and Instagram (@MarquetteWSOC) and 'liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteWSOC).