Cirrincione's Free Kick Lifts Foresters to First Win of 2025

LAKEVILLE, Ind. - The Huntington women's soccer team (1-1-0) picked up its first win of the season Wednesday evening with a 1-0 decision over IU South Bend at Newton Park. The contest marked the Foresters' first road test of the year and the season opener for the Titans.

After a scoreless opening frame, HU turned up the pressure in the second half and finally broke through in the 66th minute. Awarded a free kick just outside the box, senior defender Ellie Cirrincione drilled a laser into the back of the net for the lone tally of the night. It was Huntington's first goal of the season and Cirrincione's second career strike.

The Foresters dominated the attack down the stretch, outshooting the hosts 13-4 after halftime to finish with a 16-9 advantage overall. Tara Robinson and Macie Sanders teamed up in net to preserve the clean sheet by combining for five saves.

With the victory, HU improves to 4-0-1 all-time against the Titans in a series that began in 2021. The result also marks the first career win for first-year head coach Keaton Albert.

"The making of a team that strives for excellence takes time and trials," said Albert. "Today was an all around team win. Every player contributed and stepped up as needed and asked. Today the team improved and grew closer together. We are thanking God for the win today."

Albert and crew are back at King Stadium on Saturday to host IU East at 5:00 p.m.

The Huntington University Foresters compete in 18 intercollegiate sports for men and women. In the past decade, Huntington has produced 181 NAIA All-America honors and 631 All-America Scholar Athlete honors. Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest.