PICTURED ABOVE: Sara Bakke tallied the game-tying and go-ahead goals for the Thunder in a 4-1 victory against Elmhurst.

Wheaton, Ill.- The Wheaton Thunder women's soccer team, ranked 18th in this week's United Soccer Coaches Division III Poll, earned a 4-1 victory against Elmhurst College (5-2-1, 0-1-0 CCIW) in the CCIW opener for both teams on Saturday afternoon. Wheaton improves to 5-2-1 overall and 1-0-0 in CCIW play with today's win.

Elmhurst's MJ Lessila blasted a looping shot that landed in the back of the net to give the Bluejays an early 1-0 lead just 5:34 into the match. Thunder freshman Wheaton's Sara Bakke tied the match at 1-1 with a goal at 40:14 Bakke collected the ball after it was fumbled by Elmhurst's goalie and registered her third goal of the season (VIDEO). The match was tied 1-1 at the halftime intermission. Wheaton out-shot the Bluejays 11-2 in the first half, including a 4-2 Thunder advantage in shots on goal.

A little less than four minutes into the second half, Bakke gave Wheaton a 2-1 lead with a goal she registered off of a Bailey Wolf assist at 48:58 (VIDEO). Freshman Aeva Graber extended Wheaton's lead to 3-1 with a goal at 56:21. Graber's second goal of the year was assisted by Izzy McNally. Sophomore Carney Blake's Olimpico goal landed in the back of the net when she booted a corner kick at the 70:23 mark of the match to increase the hosts' lead to 4-1 (VIDEO). The Thunder owned a 14-2 advantage in second-half shots, including a 9-0 edge in shots on goal.

Thunder starting goalkeeper Lauren Ketchum made one save and allowed one goal in 59 minutes of action in the Wheaton net. Madison Lee played the final 31 minutes in goal for the hosts. Elmhurst's starting goalkeeper, Sophia Tuliglowski made nine saves and allowed four goals in 77 minutes of action. Bryce Marchetti played the final 13 minutes in the Bluejays' net.

Wheaton out-shot Elmhurst 25-4 in the match, including a 13-2 edge in shots on goal. Wheaton was awarded four corner kicks in the match, while the Bluejays attempted two corner kicks. 

Wheaton hosts third-ranked University of Chicago next Tuesday in a 7:00 p.m. matchup at Joe Bean Stadium.