NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Delta State University women's soccer team earned a thrilling 5-4 conference victory over Trevecca Nazarene on Saturday at the Trojan Soccer Complex. The Lady Statesmen overcame a back-and-forth match and scored the game-winning goal with just seconds remaining.
Delta State jumped out to an early lead when
Mariela Dolan scored in the second minute off an assist from
Kennedi Turner. Trevecca quickly answered, but Dolan struck again in the 19th minute, this time assisted by
Emma Earwood, giving the Lady Statesmen a 2-1 advantage. The Trojans responded before halftime, sending the teams into the break tied at 2-2.
Trevecca took its first lead of the afternoon in the 71st minute when Anna Farrell scored her second goal of the match. Delta State continued to pressure the Trojans and eventually found the equalizer in the 83rd minute when
Millie Webb scored off an assist from Turner.
The scoring continued in a wild final six minutes. Trevecca regained the lead in the 85th minute when Elsa Bengtsson scored her second goal of the match, but Delta State answered just 38 seconds later when
Kennedi Banar found the back of the net to make it 4-4.
With the clock winding down,
Emma Earwood delivered the decisive moment, scoring with just two seconds remaining in regulation off an assist from
Evie Shepherd to give Delta State a dramatic 5-4 victory.
Dolan led the Lady Statesmen offensively with two goals, while Earwood finished with a goal and an assist. Turner recorded two assists, and Webb and Banar each added a goal.
Kim Bircher made 10 saves in goal to help preserve the victory.
Trevecca controlled much of the statistical play, holding a 58%-42% possession advantage and outshooting Delta State 28-17, but the Lady Statesmen made the most of their opportunities, putting 12 shots on target and scoring five times.
The victory improved Delta State to 4-3-3 overall and 3-1-2 in conference play, while Trevecca Nazarene fell to 6-4-1 overall and 3-3-0 in conference action.
The Lady Statesmen return to action this upcoming Wednesday with a road trip to Memphis to take on the Lady Bucs from Christian Brothers University with the start time at 5:30 p.m.
