COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Montreat College women's soccer team lost a 4-1 final in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play on Wednesday night, falling to the Columbia College Koalas in South Carolina's capital city. With the defeat, the Cavaliers' record moved to 3-6-0 (1-5-0 AAC), while CC's record improved to 5-5-2 (1-5-1 AAC).
Montreat generated early set-piece pressure, with
Leigh Harpel and
Maddie Ellis attempting the initial two of five first-half corner kicks within the opening 2:30. One of those corners led to a shot from
Olivia Scott, which floated above the crossbar. Meanwhile, Columbia's first shot of the match resulted in the contest's opening goal. The Koalas snagged a 1-0 advantage 8:17 into the league showdown.
The visitors immediately retaliated, with Ellis and
Natalie Hall forcing saves in the ninth and 10
th minutes, and Ellis and Harpel registering corner kicks during that same timeframe; however, the Cavs couldn't find a way past the Koalas' goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the hosts doubled their edge midway through the period, seizing a 2-0 lead at 22:58.
Anna Weissenfluh notched a trio of saves in the frame, but CC entered halftime clinging to its 2-0 advantage.
Hall injected life into the Montreat sideline when she pulled the Cavaliers within a goal merely eight minutes into the second period. Cutting to her left, Hall worked her way around a trio of defenders before poking a shot from near the penalty spot past the goalie. The newfound one-goal margin didn't last long, though. Columbia answered with tallies in the 57
th and 59
th minutes to suddenly jump in front by three. With neither side able to break down the opposition's defense any further, the match ultimately finished at 4-1.
"We had moments of dangerous possession, but we lost the game in the details," said Head Coach
Kristin Eggert.
The Cavs earned more corner kicks (5-2) and saves (4-2) on the night, but the hosts racked up more shots (11-4) and shots on goal (8-3). Individually, Hall scored once and put both of her attempts on frame. Ellis and Scott were also credited with shots, with the former placing her try on target. Weissenfluh played all 90 minutes in net and accrued four saves.
The Montreat College women's soccer team makes its return to Pulliam Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 10 for a Homecoming & Family Weekend contest against the Bryan College Lions. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. in Black Mountain, N.C.
