The Indiana women's soccer team continued its early-season dominance, downing Youngstown State University 3-1 in a Horizon League clash that underscored the Hoosiers' defensive firepower and offensive depth.
From the opening whistle the backline pressed high, forcing three corners in the first six minutes and limiting the visitors to a single shot. Junior midfielder Maggie Ledwith opened the scoring with a swift strike assisted by senior midfielder Kennedy Neighbors, who had already set the tone with her relentless pressing.
Defensive Mastery Fuels the Win
Head coach Josh Rife praised Neighbors' versatility, noting how her ability to disrupt opposition build‑up and contribute in attack helped shape the game's tempo. The team's aggressive defensive scheme, spearheaded by Aleyna Quinn, left Youngstown State scrambling for possession.
The second half saw Indiana double its shot total to 18, with 10 on target, while maintaining a relentless corner count that reached 15 for the match. Quinn and Ledwith added two more goals in the 48th and 73rd minutes, sealing a comfortable margin despite the lack of direct set‑piece finishes.
Looking ahead, Indiana is slated to face Bellarmine University on August 21 at 1 p.m., a contest that will be streamed live on B1G+. The Hoosiers hope to carry the same intensity into a schedule that promises further tests against conference rivals.