With goals by Sylvia Cummings and Mia Marks, as well as phenomenal defense, the Bruins women's soccer team began their 2024 season with a tough 2-1 win over the North Carolina Wesleyan University Bishops in Raleigh, North Carolina.
"Despite some early struggles in possession and just getting a rhythm of play we were able to put enough pressure on them to get an early goal and seemed to settle into the game," Head Coach Chris Carmichael said.
After a two hour weather delay, the first half brought a lot of back-and-forth play as both teams had chances to score throughout the half. The 0-0 draw was broken in the 35
th minute as Bruins' Sylvia Cummings scored her first goal of the season off of a deflection. The Bishops answered back quickly with a goal from Makena Meyer in the 39
th minute. The teams went into the half tied 1-1.
The Bruins had to start the second half with a defensive mindset as the Bishops got a few early corner kicks. The defense stood strong and kept the Bishops scoreless in those chances. More back-and-forth play ensued before Mia Marks found the back of the net in the 77
th minute making it 2-1. Coach Carmichael said the game-winning goal by Marks was "in usual fashion" alluding to her winning goals last season in the national tournament. That score held till the final whistle and the Bruins started the season with a win!
Even though the Bishops had six more corner kicks than the Bruins, they were not able to capitalize due to the high level of communication and skill from the defensive back line and Bruins goalkeeper Margaret Cummings. Coach Carmichael praised his defense for doing a phenomenal job, especially Naomi Peters towards the end of the game. "Naomi Peters sustained an ankle sprain by making a clutch slide tackle that likely saved the win," Carmichael said.
"The girls came ready to play and hungry for a win," captain Sylvia Cummings said. "Mistakes were made but the girls adapted quick and well. We were able to capitalize on chances which led to our 2-1 victory."
"We know we have a lot to improve on," Coach Carmichael said, "but for now we need to get some quick recovery and ready for our game at 11 am tomorrow against a strong Meredith team that just won their opening game today."
Up next, the Bruins have a short turnaround and will play again tomorrow against the Meredith College Angels. It is scheduled for an 11 a.m. start time.
