COLUMBIA, S.C. – The University of Pikeville women's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to Columbia International University on Saturday afternoon at Sessions Field in its final Appalachian Athletic Conference regular-season matchup.
The Bears (9-7-2, 6-4-2 AAC) held a second-half lead before CIU (8-4-5, 6-4-3 AAC) scored twice in a 33-second span to claim the victory.
After a scoreless opening half, UPIKE found the breakthrough in the 62nd minute. Sara Ritter put the Bears on the scoreboard at the 61:40 mark, finding the back of the net for an unassisted goal to give UPIKE a 1-0 advantage.
The Bears maintained their lead into the 76th minute before the Rams responded. Reagan Worsley equalized at 76:16 before Ellie Tobias scored just 33 seconds later, converting a pass from Sydney Thoman to put CIU ahead 2-1.
UPIKE looked to regain momentum in the closing minutes but was unable to find another equalizer.
Ritter led the Bears offensively with four shots, including two on goal, while Meisha Salisbury added three shots. Ruby D'Arcy and Ella Smith each recorded a shot on target.
In goal, Claire Cress recorded four saves across 45 minutes of action, while Allyson Gonzalez recorded the other 45 minutes of game time. The Bears finished with 13 shots, including five on goal, while CIU registered 14 shots and six on target.
With the regular season complete, Pikeville now awaits its seeding for the AAC Tournament. The tournament field and matchups will determine the Bears' postseason path as they look to continue their season.
--UPIKE--
