SALEM, Ore. -
Leah Barnes scored her first career goal, breaking a 1-1 tie in the second half to lift the Whitman College women's soccer team to a 2-1 win over Willamette in Northwest Conference action on Sunday at Sparks Field.
"What a great show of character today!" said coach Michelle Voiland. "The team fought back from a one goal deficit to earn the victory. They showed true grit, maturity and team unity."
In the 77th minute, Katherine Sand delivered a driven service from the left flank which found Barnes' foot around the penalty spot. Barnes finished her shot into the right side netting past Siera Edwards in net for the Bearcats (0-7-2, 0-4-1 NWC).
The win is the fifth straight result for Whitman (5-2-3, 4-1-1 NWC) who sit comfortably in third in the league standings approaching the midpoint of the conference season.
Both keepers had fine outings for their teams. Edwards posted eight saves with Hannah Hagler turning away six shots for the Blues.
Willamette jumped out in front with a goal in the 31st minute. Natalie Rodriguez-De La Torre followed up a Hagler save with a goal but Molly Beaulieu put home the equalizer shortly before halftime. In similar fashion, Beaulieu scored off a rebound which came on a save from a Kiki Glorioso shot, and the teams headed to halftime tied.
The Blues begin a five-game home stand next weekend with matches against George Fox and Lewis & Clark.
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