The Bruins extended their winning streak to 13 games as the women's soccer team traveled to Jacksonville, Florida to take on new opponent Edward Waters University Friday night. It was a close game, but a game-winning goal in the 61st minute from Mia Marks secured the win as the Bruins came away with 3-2 victory to increase their record to 14-1 overall.
"This team continues to find ways to win," said Head Coach Chris Carmichael. "Despite missing some key players tonight they were able to absorb a very physical match from NCAA DII Edward Waters and notch the win. The entire team worked incredibly hard, and I couldn't be more proud of how they covered and supported each other through very challenging situations that occurred during the game."
Both team's entered tonight's match looking to improve on their winning records, but it was the Bruins who got to the score sheet first. Twelve minutes into tonight's match, Mia Marks crossed the ball from the near side where Abby Herr nailed a one touch volley to give the Bruins the 1-0 lead.
The Tigers answered in the the 33rd minute bring the score to 1-1 and would look to grab the lead a few minutes later after earning a penalty kick in the 39th minute of play, but Bruins goalkeeper Susanna Hutson came up big to knock the ball out of play and keep the game level at one.
"Susanna Hutson played a very strong match and her clutch PK stop kept the momentum of the game from shifting to them," said Carmichael.
With an quick start to the second half, the Bruins were able to regain their lead just a minute and a half in as Kayle Stevenson sent the ball up to Mia Marks who was able to slide the ball right past the goalkeeper giving her team the 2-1 lead.
But the lead didn't last long for the Bruins as the Tigers would sail the ball into the back of the net to once again level the game. With momentum from their game-tying goal, the Tigers would look to score another but the Bruins backline would keep the score even at two.
"Our defensive line lead by Korbyn Griffith, Braden Adams, Jessica Townsend and Caroline Hartzler played an unbelievable match and had to deal with a lot of speed and and pace from a physical Edward Waters team who played a very good match," said Carmichael.
The game-winning goal would come in the 61st minute as Mia Marks would steal the ball from a Tigers defender and notch her second of the game bringing the score to 3-2.
As the game continued to pick up speed in the final minutes of the game, the Bruins were able to hold on and secure the 3-2 victory.
Goalkeeper Susanna Hutson credits the team's "grit, determination and trust in each other" to get them through a very physical game.
"God has been incredibly gracious to our team and continues to lift us and bless us as we navigate very difficult situations," said Carmichael.
The team will look to recover over the weekend before heading to Asheville to take on Warren Wilson next Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
