WAVERLY, Iowa -  In the 106th minute of double-overtime, Lauren Kirkle scored a game-winning penalty kick by giving the Wartburg College Knights Women's Soccer squad a 1-0 victory to open the season. 

Hosting the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the Knights returned to Salzwedel field for its first game of the 2021 fall season.

A scoreless first half has highlighted by the Knights outshooting the Pointers 8-2 and leading in corner kicks 5-0.  

Despite the tough opponent, Wartburg continued to find chances in the second half. Wartburg again led in shots in the second half, but this time a 10-2 advantage. The Knights also had 8-0 advantage in corner kicks, but were unable to convert on any attempts. 

Chances were created on both sides of the field as the Knights and Pointers of UW-Stevens Point battled until the very end. A late foul in the second overtime led to a Knights penalty kick. Kirkle fired a shot past the Pointers keeper for the game-winning goal. 

Joy Smith paced the Orange & Black offensively with six shots, including four on goal, while Marissa Lopez had six saves. 

Next Time on the Pitch 

The Knights are back in action Saturday, Sept. 4 when they face the College of Saint Benedict in St. Paul, Mn. at 1 p.m.