Lily Campbell
In a little more than two seasons as a women’s soccer program, IU Columbus had scored a grand total of 26 goals.
So when the Crimson Pride erupted for 14 goals Wednesday afternoon, it was cause for celebration. So was picking up their first win of the 2025 season, a 14-0 victory against Alice Lloyd.
“We know we can do it now,” junior midfielder Lily Campbell said. “That’s the main thing. We know we can put some up on the board, and we know who our attacking people are. It will just be the main concept of the next few games.”
Campbell was one of three IUC players to record a hat trick Wednesday. Freshmen Madalynn Phillips and Jessica Finfera also scored three goals apiece.
Madalynn Phillips
“It’s definitely very exciting,” Phillips said. “We’ve definitely been putting he work in at practice, so it makes a difference.”
Jessica Finfera
“We for sure needed this, and I think from here on out, will be very successful,” Finfera added. “I think this helps a lot with getting us out and ready to go for our season.”
The Crimson Pride (1-2-1) scored six times in the first half, eclipsing their school-record of five goals in a game. IUC then added eight more in the final 45 minutes.
Rebecca Valdez scored twice for the Crimson Pride, including the icebreaker in the fourth minute. Ellis Kerns, Madelynn Thangam and Madesyn Sunderhaus all added one goal. Finfera, Sunderhaus and Madison Merritt all had two assists, and Campbell added one assist.
“Just playing together, working together, being united as a team,” Campbell said. “We were all there to support and encourage each other on and off the field. Our bench was great at supporting us and being hyped for us, so we were able to energy flowing out on the field.”
The Crimson Pride outshot the Eagles 67-1, putting 33 shots on goal to one for Alice Lloyd (0-3). Columbus North graduate Mallory Gilley played the first half in goal and did not face a shot. Zoe Bippus played the second half and recorded one save.
“They knew what kind of team they were going to play today and were just trying to keep the professionalism and try to keep the level high, the tempo high and use this a game for us to actually work on something and build,” IUC coach Kevin Nolan said.
“The intensity was there, and we were all there for each other,” Campbell added. “We worked so hard these past few games to come here and try to compete with the other team.”
The Crimson Pride are back in action at 4:30 p.m. Sunday against Eureka College at Richard Wigh Soccer Complex.
“It’s always nice getting that monkey off your back with the first win,” Nolan said. “The girls needed a game like this. It’s a new squad, a lot of new girls on the team and we’re just trying to figure out the system of play, still figuring out how girls play with each other, so this is a good game to see what we can do and hopefully will be a big confidence booster going forward.”
