Whitewater, Wis. – The Washington University in St. Louis women's soccer team defeated Rhodes 1-0 in the first game of the W Challenge hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Bears are now 3-1-2 and will face host Whitewater tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in the winner's bracket of the W challenge. Whitewater defeated DePauw 4-0.
 
After a scoreless first half, the Bears finally broke through in the 52^nd minute as senior Riley Alvarez scored her first goal of the season on an assist from senior Ellie Brauner.
 
WashU had its first scoring chance 10 minutes in as a junior Tyler Wilson put a shot on-frame, which was saved by Rhodes' goalkeeper Olivia Barfield. That was the lone shot on goal for either team in the first half.
 
Following the Bears' goal early in the second half, Wilson registered another shot on frame in the 54^th minute, which was also saved.
 
Junior goalkeeper Sidney Conner saved the lone Rhodes' shot on goal in the 55^th minute, stopping a shot from Grace Culver.
 
Two more shots from junior Kate Flynn and senior Maggie Brett were stopped by Barfield in the 57^th and 62^nd minute, respectively, which were the final shots on goal of the game.
 
Statistically, WashU outshot Rhodes 13-2, with both the Lynx's shots in the second half. Conner made one save to earn the shutout, her UAA-leading fourth of the year.
 
Following tomorrow's game against Whitewater, the Bears return home for a mid-week matchup against Millikin on Wednesday at 7 p.m.