DeKalb, Ill.- Senior Bess Rapp scored the game-winning goal and sophomore Meghan Tyk had eight saves to lead the Westerwinds to a 1-0 victory over Northern Illinois at Huskie Soccer Field.

The Westerwinds (3-1-0) got on the board early in the game when Bess Rapp took advantage of a free kick just outside the box in the 12th minute of the game. The senior co-captain was able to sneak the free kick past the out-stretched hands of Huskie's goalkeeper Lindsey Curnock.

Sunday's game was the opposite of the game the Westerwinds played on Friday night. On Friday, the Westerwinds out shot Evansville but weren't able to take capitalize on their opportunities and lost 3-0. Northern Illinois (2-1-1) was able to out shoot Western 21-8.

“It was the complete opposite game for us today from Friday,” stated head coach Tony Guinn. “We took advantage of our changes today and Northern Illinois did not. They took a ton of shots, but you don't get points for shots. That's the great thing about soccer.”

The defense played strong enough to defend off those 21 shots as Tyk, along with the combination of defenders of juniors Lainey Bruhn and Kim Schuneman, senior Liz Remes, and sophomores Teresa McDonnell and Amanda Wright, had the first shutout of the young season.

The highlight of the strong performance by the Westerwinds defense was two saves by McDonnell. Standing on the goal line, McDonnell was able to save two goals by heading the ball out the goal box.

“Those were to great saves by Teresa (McDonnell),” said Guinn. “If she doesn't make those saves then we lose 2-1. Our entire defense played great today and they were the key to us winning.”

The Westerwinds will be back at home Friday, September 14, to host Illinois State at 4 p.m. Western Illinois will then host defending conference champion Oakland Sunday, September 16, at 11 a.m.