Wheaton, Ill.  – The ninth-ranked Wheaton Thunder women's soccer team defeated University of Puget Sound 3-0 on Friday afternoon in the opening round of action at the 2019 Bob Baptista Invitational. Wheaton concludes the tournament on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in a matchup against RIT. RIT defeated Hanover 2-0 in today's opening game.

Sophomore Aeva Graber (PICTURED RIGHT) started Wheaton's scoring early with a long shot from the top of the box just over the out-stretched arms of Loggers' goalkeeper Chaylea Tome. Graber's goal came just 1:47 into the match (VIDEO). Sophomore Jensen Ellis extended Wheaton's lead to 2-0 with a goal from in front of the net from about 10 yards out, just left of Tome. Ellis tallied her goal at the 16:52 mark of the match (VIDEO). The Thunder maintained the 2-0 lead at the halftime intermission. Wheaton out-shot the Loggers 5-0 in the first half, including a 3-0 edge in shots on goal.

Ellis increased Wheaton's lead to 3-0 with her second goal of the afternoon at the 55:13 mark of the match. Her long arcing shot from 25 yards out made it to the back of the net to give Wheaton the decisive lead (VIDEO). Wheaton held a 9-3 advantage in shots during the second half, including a 4-2 edge in shots on goal.

Wheaton's starting goalkeeper, Lauren Ketchum, played 79 minutes in net, making one save. Madison Lee played the final 10 minutes with one save to her credit. Chaylea Tome made four saves in the Loggers' net and allowed all three Thunder goals.

Wheaton owned a 14-3 advantage in shots, including a 7-2 edge in shots on goal. Wheaton was awarded three corner kicks in the match. Puget Sound attempted two corner kicks.
Puget Sound plays Hanover College tomorrow at noon in the opening match of Saturday's action at Joe Bean Stadium.