Photo Credit: @IndianaWSOC/X
BILL ARMSTRONG STADIUM (IUSTV Sports) — Indiana women’s soccer began Sunday afternoons matchup with Division III opponent Lawrence University by honoring its seven graduating players with a senior day presentation on the field.
Although the Hoosiers struggled to find their first goal, they would go on to back the pregame festivities with a 9-0 win over the Vikings.
While Indiana dominated possession throughout the first half, they were unable to convert a goal in their first 17 shot attempts of the game. However, a handball in the 29th minute was all the Hoosiers needed to open the floodgates on the scoreboard.
With the Vikings’ infraction occurring inside the 18-yard box, Indiana was awarded a penalty kick. Sophomore defender Piper Coffield wasted no time as she disposed the ball into the back of the net to put the Hoosiers on the board.
Freshman forward Layla Sirdah and junior midfielder Olivia Rush proceeded to add a pair of goals to Indiana’s first half tally, giving the cream and crimson a 3-0 lead into the break.
The Hoosiers picked up right where they left off in the second half, as junior defender Ariana Rose and sophomore forward Ellie Johannes both scored their first goals of the season to extend the lead.
Although it was senior day for Indiana, the freshman Sirdah stole the show by adding three more goals in the second half, including one from a corner kick that curved into the back of the Lawrence net untouched.
Sirdah’s four scores tie the program record for most goals in a single game and moves her season total to a team-high six. Regardless of the freshman’s headlining performance, she still gave all the credit to her senior teammates.
“They provide so much for me and without them I wouldn’t be where I am right now,” Sirdah said postgame. “They’ve done so much for this program and I can’t thank them enough.”
Next up for Indiana is the start of conference play as the Hoosiers host Ohio State Thursday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
