The women’s soccer team was unable to preserve its undefeated record yesterday, falling to Misericordia University 4-3 on Carp Wood Field.
The Bombers scored the game’s first goal in the 24th minute from a free kick by junior midfielder Julie Winn to put them up 1-0. The lead wouldn’t last long though, as Misericordia University freshman forward Erin McGreal scored in the 34th minute to put the Cougars on the board and tie the game going into halftime.
Winn said the Cougars’ equalizing goal was the climax of the game, as the Cougars started to become more confident in their ability to win the game.
“Their first goal was probably the turning point for us,” she said. “Then it was a tie game, and it changed the whole momentum of the game because it wasn’t us on top”.
Everything seemed to start unraveling for the Bombers when the second half began. Junior midfielder Caroline Jastremeski suffered a leg injury at the beginning of the half that translated into a Misericordia goal, as the Bombers were unable to get a substitute in the game during the middle of play. McGreal scored again for the Cougars on a high sailing shot in the 54th minute that traveled over the head of junior goalkeeper Becca Salant.
Head Coach Mindy Quigg said Jastremeski’s presence was missed the rest of the game, but does not know how long she will be sidelined.
“We missed her when she was out of the game most of the second half,” she said. “We will have to wait and see what the doctor says.”
The Cougars doubled their lead only two minutes after McGreal’s second goal. The Bombers were finally able to get their offense going late in the second half by putting up two more goals, but it proved to be too late, as Misericordia pulled out the win by a score of 4-3 at the end of regulation.
Sophomore forward Jackie Rodabaugh said that the South Hill squad did not have as much energy as the Cougars in the game.
The Blue and Gold will play again at noon Saturday when they take on Alfred University on Carp Wood Field.