UPIKE Athletics

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – The women's soccer team at the University of Pikeville got its season off to a quick start with a 2-1 win over Mount Vernon Nazarene University on Wednesday evening.
 
The Bears trailed 1-0 at the half but scored two goals in a five-minute span in the second half to secure the win.
 
UPike turned away six shots on goal in the first half, but sophomore Becca Drew got the Cougars on the scoreboard at the end of the 31^st minute to take a 1-0 lead.
 
UPike had four shots on goal in the first 45 minutes but trailed at the break.
 
It stayed that way until the 58^th minute when the Bears tied the match on a goal by junior forward Sara Ritter. The Louisville product had nine goals and six assists a season ago.
 
The tie was brief, as UPike scored what would prove to be the game-winner five minutes later when senior Anna Dudas put the Bears ahead 2-1. It was the first career goal for the Columbus, Ohio, native.
 
In the final 27 minutes, the Cougars had five shots to tie the game. Two of them were on goal; one was blocked and the other saved in the 82^nd minute by keeper Claire Cress.
 
Cress, a junior from Berea who transferred from Morehead State, turned away seven of the eight shots on goal for her first win as a Bear.
 
UPike had 18 shots on goal on the night, led by senior wing Charlene Lofqvist with five. Senior Jayla Boyd and freshman Iselle Reding had three each.
 
The Bears will be back in action on Saturday in the home opener when they entertain WVU Tech at Bob Amos Park. The match is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start.