ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University Women's Soccer (5-2-1, 2-0-1 SAC) found a late equalizer in the 87-th minute to secure a 1-1 draw against conference opponent and nationally ranked No. 10 Catawba (5-2-1, 3-0-1 SAC) in a rematch of the South Atlantic Conference Championship Finals at home Wednesday evening.
Returning to the pitch against Catawba for the first time since last season's SAC Championship Final, the Trojans entered Wednesday's contest seeking redemption after a late comeback by the Catawba Indians secured the conference title.
The opening half was a defensive battle on the pitch, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. Anderson held a narrow 4-3 advantage in shots, while Catawba committed five fouls compared to three for the Trojans, sending the two sides into the halftime break locked in a scoreless battle.
Coming out of the half, eager to make an offensive impact, the Catawba Indians capitalized on a corner, finding the back of the net to open the scoring. The Trojans responded by finding their offensive rhythm and generating chances in search of the equalizer while continuing to apply defensive pressure. With just three minutes left on the clock, a long pass from senior
Lauren Monday (Anderson, S.C.), found the foot of junior
Jazel DeOliveira (Florianopolis, Brazil) who redirected the ball to set up freshman
Mally May Hanvey (Raleigh, N.C.) for the equalizer and her first collegiate goal.
"I am proud of the grit and resiliency we showed to score at the end of the game and tie a top 10 team." said Head Coach
Sarah Jacobs. "This group continues to fight, and finds was to get results. We left it all on the field and earned an important point in conference play."
Anderson was favored offensively with 10 shots, three which were on target, while Catawba produced nine shots with four coming on goal. Freshman forward
Mally May Hanvey went 1-for-1 in shots, securing the Trojans lone goal of the match.
The Black and Gold enter a short break before returning to Spero Financial Field on Wednesday, Sept. 30 to host Clayton State in a nonconference matchup. The contest is slated for 5 p.m.
TOP SCORERS
TROJAN LEADERS
Goals: Mally May Hanvey - 1
Assists: Jazel DeOliveira,
Lauren Monday - 1
Shots: Aubrey Hutchins,
Gabby Kirchner - 2
Shots on Goal: Aubrey Hutchins,
Lauren Johnson,
Mally May Hanvey - 1
