Grand Rapids, MI – Excitement was in the air on the Aquinas campus as Jenna Smith and the Women's Soccer Team played their home opener against Indiana Wesleyan. The weather cooperated, the crowd was energetic, and the players were dialed in. Unfortunately, the Saints couldn't find a way to get the biscuit in the basket. A late Wildcats tally proved to be the difference, as AQ fell 1–0 to start the soccer doubleheader.

Indiana Wesleyan 1, Aquinas 0

The Saints leaned on a composed back line and a sharp performance from goalkeeper Kayla Shuk, who turned away multiple first-half chances to keep the match level at the break. Captain Savannah Reese organized the back half with poise, while fellow captain Maeve Comfort and Catherine Hoff battled in the midfield to disrupt IWU's rhythm. Offensively, Abigail Kramer came on and forced a save late in the first half to spark AQ's best early look.

Aquinas came out with purpose after halftime. Emily Gignac delivered the Saints' lone corner in the 47th minute, and Kiersen Korienek followed with two quick efforts—one on target—to keep pressure on the visitors. Bella Teelander and Katelynn Sterling worked the flanks to connect lines and push the tempo as AQ created six second-half shots.

The hosts kept hunting for the equalizer down the stretch. Gignac tested the keeper again in the 62nd minute, Kramer fired wide in the 82nd, and Korienek put another shot on frame in the 89th as AQ pressed for late magic. Dailey Tucker, Julia Grzadkowska, and Joy Reams added fresh legs to the front line during the closing push.

Shuk's 10-save outing headlined a gritty defensive shift for the Saints. Camille Berko and Hoff each picked up cautions in committed challenges, but AQ stayed organized and resilient. Despite the result, the collective work rate and second-half surge showcased a foundation the Saints can build on as the homestand continues.

Inside the Numbers
• Kayla Shuk: 10 saves over 90 minutes.
• Kiersen Korienek led AQ with 4 shots (2 on goal).
• Saints generated 6 of their 7 shots after halftime (AQ shots: 1H–1, 2H–6).
• Corners: Aquinas 1 (Gignac), Indiana Wesleyan 3.

Coaches' Comments
Head Coach Jenna Smith was disappointed with the outcome but pleased with the effort: "Obviously wanted to get a different result today but proud of the way the team fought to the end. We've got another tough game on Wednesday so We'll learn from it and go again."

Up Next
The Saints (1–2) will be back in action on Wednesday when they host Taylor. That game will be available via stream—check the Women's Soccer Schedule for the exact link. On Saturday, September 20, AQ opens the Homecoming doubleheader by hosting Madonna at noon. Be sure to visit AQSaints.com for information, stats, and a full recap of all the action.