Wheaton, Ill. -- Hosting a four-team Bob Baptista Invitational for the second-consecutive year, the Wheaton women's soccer team began its 2023 campaign on Friday afternoon facing off against nonconference opponents, Trine University. Clear chances were few and far between for the two Thunder squads today, and no goals arrived in the defensive struggle, marking another season-opening clean sheet under head coach Patrick Gilliam.

The best chance for the home side in the first half materialized with ten minutes left in the period, as senior midfielder Audrey Sexson struck the crossbar from 25 yards out with a powerful effort. Wheaton had a nervy moment to survive, as well, with Trine failing to convert an open-goal look midway through the half.

The game opened up after halftime, as both teams committed more numbers forward and emerged from their defensive shells in pursuit of a deadlock-breaker. Wheaton registered two attempts at goal in the first five minutes of the period and had their fair share of opportunities, including a late two-on-two breakaway that nearly produced a winner. But the hosts were also required to maintain their defensive focus, with new starting goalkeeper Myah Schoolman called into action multiple times down the stretch. The senior produced a highlight-reel stop in the closing seconds of the match to earn her first collegiate clean sheet.

Trine held advantages in both shots and shots on target in Friday's curtain-raiser, while Wheaton earned four corner kicks to the visitors' three. The home side also earned a 54-46% split in possession of the ball. Schoolman made six saves in her first match as Wheaton's stopper.

The invitational hosts will return to the field on Saturday afternoon when they take on Wisconsin-Eau Claire, who cruised to a 3-1 victory over Greenville University in the competition's opening game today.