RIVER FALLS, Wis. – UW-Platteville dropped the WIAC opener against UW-River Falls 1-2 Saturday afternoon.
The Pioneers struck first and Caelyn Steffen's goal past UW-River Falls' Haley Crosby in the 23rd minute put the Pioneers ahead 1-0. Steffen's goal Saturday afternoon marks her 17th goal of the season and puts the freshman from Normal, Ill. tied for first in Pioneer women's soccer history for number of goals in a season. She is now tied with Emily Dummer, the Pioneer who scored 17 goals in the 1994 season.
The Pioneers led 1-0 starting the second half until the Falcons' Maggie Koehler found the back of the net in the 51st minute after a Pioneer foul. UW-River Falls was then able to take the lead and remain in control of the matchup when an unassisted goal by Jasmine Hunn set the Falcons ahead 2-1 in the 66th minute.
Overall, the Pioneers recorded nine shots with four on frame. Pioneers' goalkeeper Kathryn Flaherty recorded six saves on the day.
UW-Platteville is now 5-5 overall and 0-1 in the WIAC. The Pioneers will take a break from WIAC play on Wednesday when they travel to Viterbo to take on the V-Hawks Wednesday at 4 p.m.