PIKEVILLE, Ky. - The University of Pikeville women's soccer team earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Reinhardt on Saturday, using a second-half game-winner from Rebekah Christopher to secure the Appalachian Athletic Conference win at home.
The Bears (9-5-2, 6-2-2 AAC) struck first in the opening half when Charlene Lofqvist found the back of the net in the seventh minute. Lofqvist's unassisted goal, her third of the season, gave UPIKE an early 1-0 advantage.
UPIKE continued to pressure the Eagles throughout the first half, recording six shots and four corner kicks. Anna Dudas nearly extended the lead in the 14th minute, but her header struck the crossbar. The Bears carried their one-goal advantage into halftime.
Reinhardt (8-6-1, 5-4-1 AAC) responded in the second half, increasing its attacking pressure before Julia Knight scored the equalizer in the 66th minute to make it 1-1.
The Bears answered quickly. Just over four minutes later, Christopher delivered the decisive goal in the 71st minute, finishing a pass from Samantha Chapman to put UPIKE back in front, 2-1. The goal was Christopher's third of the season and Chapman's first assist.
UPIKE held off the Eagles for the remainder of the contest to preserve the conference victory.
Goalkeeper Allyson Gonzalez played all 90 minutes for the Bears, making five saves on six shots on goal. UPIKE finished with 12 shots, including five on target, while Reinhardt also recorded 12 shots and six on target.
The win moves the Bears to 6-2-2 in conference play as they continue their push toward the end of the regular season.
UPIKE travels to Montreat, N.C., on Wednesday, Oct. 28, to face Montreat College in an AAC matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
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