MONTREAT, N.C. — The University of Pikeville women's soccer team fell 3-1 to Montreat on Wednesday evening at Pulliam Stadium, despite taking an early lead and outshooting the Cavaliers 19-17.
Sara Ritter opened the scoring in the eighth minute, finishing a chance assisted by Charlene Lofqvist and Jayla Boyd at the 8:02 mark. The goal was Ritter's 13th of the season and gave the Bears a 1-0 advantage.
Montreat responded in the 19th minute when Rebeca Cruz Manon found the back of the net off an assist from Maddie Ellis to even the score at 1-1. UPIKE continued to create opportunities throughout the opening half, with Ritter and Meisha Salisbury forcing saves from Cavaliers goalkeeper Anna Weissenfluh.
The Bears had an opportunity to regain the lead late in the first half, but goalkeeper Claire Cress came up with a key save on Leigh Harpel's penalty kick in the 42nd minute. Cress also stopped Harpel's follow-up attempt to keep the match tied heading into halftime.
Montreat took its first lead just 1:52 into the second half. Ellis scored off a Natalie Hall assist at 46:52 to put the Cavaliers ahead 2-1.
UPIKE continued to press for an equalizer, generating several chances in the second half. Ritter tested Weissenfluh multiple times, while Jayla Boyd, Charlene Lofqvist and Rebekah Christopher also helped create opportunities for the Bears. Ritter nearly found the equalizer in the 86th minute, but her shot struck the post.
The Cavaliers added an insurance goal in the 78th minute when Hope Ewing scored off an assist from Harpel at 77:20, extending the Montreat advantage to 3-1.
Despite the result, UPIKE finished with advantages in shots (19-17), shots on goal (10-9) and corner kicks (6-4). Ritter led the Bears with eight shots, including six on target, while Cress recorded six saves in goal.
The loss moves UPIKE to 9-6-2 overall and 6-3-2 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play.
The Bears will close out the regular season on Saturday, Oct. 31, when they travel to Columbia, S.C., to face Columbia International University. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. as UPIKE looks to finish the regular season on a strong note.
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