Petersen has career day but Storm's upset bid falls short

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Megan Petersen made a career-high 16 saves in her final regular season game at Buxton Stadium but No. 23 Loras escaped with a 1-0 win over the Simpson women's soccer team on Saturday.

Petersen put forth the best effort of her career on a night when Simpson recognized its seven seniors. She made a number of great saves and gave Simpson an opportunity to upset the conference front-runner.

"Megan again showed today why she is the best keeper in the conference," head coach Ryan Sander said. "She made some key saves in the game and is the best I've seen [in the conference] during my three years here."

Ultimately it was Ailish Rispin who broke a scoreless tie at the 52:59 mark to keep the Duhawks (14-4, 6-0 Iowa Conference) undefeated in league play.

Simpson held Loras to its fewest goals against a conference opponent this season.

"I feel like we played one of our most complete games of the season today," Sander said. "Despite the result, we have a lot to build on."

The Storm (9-7, 2-4) managed only one shot against a stingy Loras backline but did have a few quality opportunities.

The first came in the closing moments of the first half, when Hannah Wilson needed to make a diving save on Kate Morford's liner from the right wing. The second came in the 70th minute when Heather Adolph sent a cross to Amber Johnson who headed it into the net. The celebration was cut short, however, as the side judge ruled that Johnson was offsides.

"We had some chances tonight and against a quality side like Loras you need to execute in the final third," Sander said.

Petersen's 16 saves were one shy of tying the school record and are the most by a Simpson keeper since Ashley Wilson stopped 17 against Luther in 2000.

The Storm close the regular season on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at Buena Vista. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.