COLUMBIA, S.C.— Wednesday night on the road against the Columbia International University Rams, the Montreat women's soccer team trailed 1-0 heading into the last period; however, the Cavaliers fought back with two second-half goals to claim their fifth consecutive victory. Montreat is now 6-1 (5-1 AAC) on the season.
 
Though Columbia International (6-3, 3-2 AAC) controlled much of the possession in the initial moments of the match, the Cavs nearly found the back of the net through in the 15^th minute. Kaitlyn Adams broke free down the right flank and fired a dipping right-footed shot off the top of the crossbar. In the next minute, Adams sprinted down the right side again. This time, instead of blasting an attempt toward frame, she cut a pass to the top of the box, where Isabel Aguilar rocketed a shot off the CIU keeper as the game remained scoreless.
 
Following a couple additional opportunities by the visitors, the Rams got on the board first, breaking the deadlock from a cross in front in the 34^th minute. Despite the CIU tally, Montreat led 9-7 in shot attempts at the conclusion of the first half.
 
Sofia Brotherton, who notched her first career start in goal, made three stops in the opening 45 minutes.
 
After back-and-forth chances by both squads, the Cavaliers found the equalizer they desperately needed. Sydney Jordan made an intelligent run into the box as Montreat earned a throw in deep in the CIU half. Jordan flicked the throw over a defender and brilliantly finished far post to knot the competition in the 60^th minute.
 
Only 1:40 later, Angelina Bourcier scored her first career goal, giving the Cavs the lead and completing the comeback effort. The freshman sprinted down the left side of the field looking for a cross-field pass. The pass came and, although the CIU goalkeeper got to the ball first, she spilled her scoop attempt. Bourcier pounced on the loose ball and slotted it home into the gaping net.
 
Brotherton held off the Rams attack as the home team stormed forward in the waning moments. The Matthews, N.C. native shut down the CIU offense with three more key saves in the final frame, securing the game in Montreat's favor.
 
"Tonight was a critical win for us," said head coach Kristin Eggert. "We demonstrated fantastic effort in coming from behind and knew if we could get that first goal that more would follow."
 
Women's soccer is back in action on Saturday against Tennessee Wesleyan University. Kickoff at Pulliam Stadium is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.