Coming off of a season-opening loss to Division I Southeast Missouri State University ready to open the Division III season, the Washington University women’s soccer team won both its contests this weekend, 1-0. The Bears defeated No. 15 Calvin College on Friday and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Sunday.

The game against Calvin remained scoreless throughout the first half, with neither team making any major offensive push.

“We possessed it really well in the first half,” junior Lee Ann Felder said. The ball remained in the middle of the field for most of the first period. Sophomore goalie Clara Jaques, however, made an impressive left-handed save on a one-on-one during the first half to keep the team in the game.

When the Lady Bears came out in the second half, their style of play changed.

“The first half was a little slow, but the second half got better,” head coach Jim Conlon said.

“I think [we were] just getting a little fire in us in the second half, really coming out and knowing we needed to put it away,” junior Emma Brown, a captain, said.

At the 57th minute, Felder crossed the ball from left field to the top of the box, right in front of the goal. Brown tapped the ball from the air into the top left corner just out of the goalie’s reach.

Although Wash. U. didn’t get another goal, they didn’t stop shooting. The Bears continued to attack until late into the second half when Calvin began a late offensive push. Nonetheless, the Wash. U. defense stood its ground and completed the shutout.

The pace and style of play during Sunday’s game was very different from Friday’s, as both teams put forth a very aggressive style of play.

“We had a lot of people step up today, but I want to put it away earlier,” Brown said.

“The pace was high,” Conlon said. “The girls were flying up and down the field.”

There was barely any play in the midfield, with most of the action happening closer to the goals. It was an unsettled game with choppy possession.

The Lady Bears outshot the BlueGolds 2-1 during the first half, scoring in the 19th minute. Sophomore Allie Betley passed the ball to senior captain Julie Tembunkiart at the top of the box who then moved the ball to her left foot and shot near the post. The ball soared into the corner, giving the Bears the winning goal.

Down 1-0, the BlueGolds continued to play aggressively. Eau Claire had a few one-on-one opportunities in front of the goal but each time failed to finish, shooting over the goal or being blocked by Jaques.

“They were a tough team,” Jaques said. “They pressed us the entire 90 minutes.”

Both teams remained tough, with freshman Kate Doyle getting a yellow card after a hard tackle to Abby Beinlich of Eau Claire. Brown and Betley took three and two shots, respectively, while Jaques made four saves.

Overall, the Bears were very happy with the game.

“I thought it went well, the kids played really hard,” Conlon said. “We tried doing what we wanted to do.”

“I think it was a really good game,” Tembunkiart said. “We were really excited to play, and it showed a lot. People were getting across the field. We were rotating well and people were filling in.”

The Lady Bears return to action with the Washington University Classic on Sept. 11 at 2:30 p.m. against St. Olaf’s College. The classic continues for the Bears against Alma College Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.