WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. -- Caitlyn Hunt probably didn't expect to see much action in goal this season with All Mid-South Conference goalkeeper Chelsea Schulte in her senior campaign. But an injury called for a new plan and the freshman from Belfry, Ky., made the most of it, collecting nine saves in the University of Pikeville's 3-2 win at Cumberlands on Saturday.
The Patriots finished with a 12-9 advantage in shots on goal, but with the help of steady play from the backline and Hunt stepping up to the challenge, the Bears (5-1) were able to stay perfect in the Mid-South Conference at 2-0.
Cumberlands, on the other hand, continues to have a rough start to its season with an 0-9 overall record and 0-3 mark in league play.
Patriot keeper Autumn Williams finished with five saves, but couldn't completely stop the fast attack from the Bears who outshot Cumberlands 15-4 in the first half. All give goals were scored in the first half starting with Jasmine Davis putting UPIKE up 1-0 in just the fourth minute.
Ten minutes later Dakota Gadd finished a cross from Erin Bolas to tie it up before Kimberly Robinson put the Patriots up 2-1 in the 19th minute.
But only a minute later UPIKE's Kaitlyn Abdon was fouled just outside the penalty box, allowing her to finish off a goal from a free kick. Then Kayla Scott delivered the game winner in the 34th minute unassisted and neither team scored again.
Cumberlands was aggressive in its comeback attempt, firing 12 shots in the second half to the Bears' 3, but Hunt made eight saves in the frame to preserve the win.
UPIKE finished with a slight advantage in corner kicks at 3-2 and also led the game in total fouls at 11-4.
The Bears are back on the pitch at 5 p.m. ET on Monday against Tennessee Temple at the Bob Amos Complex.
