Spring Break
Ruypers breaks records in blowout
Jon Oakley
Issue date: 9/24/07 Section: Sports
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Ruypers, a senior forward, was the highlight of the game as she set both the career goals record (20) and the career points record (51).
Her day started with a long cross pass to sophomore midfielder/forward Keeley Murray, who headed it in for the 'Winds' first goal of the game and Ruypers' team-leading fourth assist of the season. The assist put Ruypers in position to take both records, and she then scored a breakaway goal in the 62nd minute of the game off freshman midfielder/forward Kelsey Pillsbury's pass.
The tension around Ruypers' record-setting goal has been building for three weeks since she tied the record by scoring two goals against Green Bay on Sept. 2.
"I was just trying not to play with the pressure, just (to do) the best I can," Ruypers said.
She has been doing "the best she can" ever since she arrived at Western Illinois. As a freshman hailing out of Petrolia, Ontario, she led the Westerwinds in goals scored with eight and was named Second Team All-Mid Continent Conference.
By the end of her junior year Ruypers had moved her career goal total to 17 and was again named Second Team All-Mid Con.
Throughout her four years the 'Winds have gone from the worst team in the conference to runners up in last year's Mid-Con Tournament, and much of that success has come from Ruypers.
"She's been really big for us," said coach Tony Guinn. "She's got the monkey off her back. Now (she) can take a big deep breath and play."
In the blowout, Pillsbury and freshman midfielder/defenseman Jill Kevorkian both scored the first goals of their careers and pushed Western to an undefeated 5-0 record at home.
"It's good for (opponents) to see online when they check us out," Guinn said. "They see our home record and it's intimidating."
On the road Friday, the 'Winds tied with Eastern Illinois, 2-2. Western avoided the loss on a last-minute goal by substitute junior forward Aimee St. Andre with only 45 seconds left in regulation.
After two overtimes, the match was ruled a draw, bringing the Westerwinds' away record to 1-1-1 on the season.
The 'Winds try to continue its success at home Friday, when struggling Summit League opponent Southern Utah (1-2-3) comes to John MacKenzie Alumni Field.
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