In what has become a common theme this year, the Washington University women’s soccer team called upon the foot of senior Olivia Lillegraven to inject much-needed offense—and for the fourth and fifth time this season she provided, netting two goals in six minutes and leading the Bears to a 3-1 victory over No. 23 Wheaton College on Saturday afternoon.

Holly Ravazollo | Student Life

Caroline Dempsey dribbles past defenders from Illinois College on Sept. 20. This weekend, women’s soccer defeated Wheaton College 3-1.

Lillegraven opened up the scoring on a crisp give from junior Katie Chandler.

“That was a great assist by Chandler to [Lillegraven],” head coach Jim Conlon said. “Everyone is doing their part and when that happens, great things start to happen. The offense is really starting to click, and I like where the team is at right now.”

In the 52nd minute, Lillegraven knocked a header off an assist from freshman Darcy Cunningham to extend the lead. Cunningham later added another goal in the 68th minute assisted by fellow sophomore Megan Renken to round out the scoring for Wash. U. The Thunder got on the board after a penalty kick in the 73rd minute, but by then the game was out of reach.

After another huge performance, Lillegraven moves into a tie for ninth on the all-time Wash. U. scoring list with 24 career goals. She already has five goals this season and leads the team with 22 shots.

That is not to say the Bears have not spread the ball around. Eleven players have contributed to the 19 goals the Red and Green have on the season.

Senior Anna Sippel believes that the team’s offensive success stems from adopting Conlon’s suggestions.

“The team is just doing all the little things coach Conlon preaches everyday in practice,” Sippel said. “We have been winning 50-50 balls, connecting on sound passes and making smarter decisions. There really is no secret formula. We have been getting good opportunities and setting up Liv [Lillegraven] with some great shots.”

Though Wheaton outshot the Bears 16 to 10, the defense held their ground and withstood the barrage. Junior goalkeeper Lizzy Crist anchored the defense and totaled seven saves on the day. Offensive efficiency gave the Red and Green another huge advantage, for 70 percent of the Bears’ shots were on goal compared to only 50 percent from the Thunder. The Bears are currently enjoying a five-game winning streak in which they have been outscoring opponents by a total margin of 11-2.

Wash. U. now has two victories over ranked opponents, but this win over Wheaton College is extra sweet for the seniors on the team. Historically, Wheaton has given the Bears trouble both in the regular season and the playoffs. Wash. U. has not beaten Wheaton since 2006, and the Thunder eliminated the Bears from NCAA quarterfinals in 2011 and 2012.

“This was a great win, and we executed well, but I am still focusing on one game at a time,” Conlon said. “But I am happy for the seniors on the team who persevered and got the job done.”

“As a senior it feels really good to beat Wheaton seeing as they have had our number the past few years,” Sippel said. “They have knocked us out of the playoffs before, so it feels good to get some revenge.”

With the win, Wash. U. now moves to 7-1 on the season and is seventh in the national rankings.

Despite the success, Conlon still believes the team has a lot to improve upon before next game.

“We just need to tidy up the little things,” Conlon said. “If we can rid of some sloppiness and make cleaner plays, then we will be a much better team. But I am happy with the way we are playing right now.”

The Red and Green return to Francis Field on Wednesday, Sept. 30 for a home game against Webster University. That game will also be Sophomore Spirit Day.