APPLETON, Wis. — The Lawrence University women's soccer team battled Lake Forest College  Wednesday at the Banta Bowl, but the visiting Foresters used two first-half goals to secure a 2-0 Midwest Conference victory.
Lawrence finished the match with 10 shots, matching Lake Forest's total, while Claire Brockhert made five saves in goal for the Vikings. Lake Forest put seven of its 10 shots on target, with Brockhert turning away five of those attempts.
The Vikings created opportunities early, with Kylie Melonis and Hannah Kalt each getting shots off during the opening 12 minutes. Lawrence also earned a corner kick in the 14th minute as the Vikings looked to establish possession in the attacking third.
Lake Forest broke through in the 32nd minute when Maggie Balas scored her fifth goal of the season to give the Foresters a 1-0 lead. Brockhert kept Lawrence within one with a save on Annabelle Schroeder earlier in the half, but Lake Forest doubled its advantage just before halftime.
Ella Chicone scored in the 40th minute off an assist from Balas, sending Lake Forest into halftime with a 2-0 lead. Brockhert made three saves during the opening half to keep the Vikings within striking distance.
Lawrence came out aggressively in the second half. Ava Elders registered three shots after halftime, including a shot on goal that was saved by Lake Forest goalkeeper Sara Swenson. Jordan Frank and Caitlin Bruce also recorded second-half attempts as the Vikings continued to look for a way back into the match.
The Vikings continued to apply pressure throughout the final 45 minutes, earning a corner kick and creating additional opportunities, but Swenson turned away Lawrence's attempts to preserve the Foresters' clean sheet.
Lawrence held a 56-44 advantage in possession and finished with five shots in each half. Lake Forest earned four corner kicks to Lawrence's two, while Brockhert finished with five saves.
