SALEM, VA – The Southern Virginia University women's soccer team battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Roanoke College, demonstrating resilience and determination with a strong second-half performance.
The Maroons struck early, capitalizing on a counterattack in the 7th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Roanoke began the game on the front foot, but the Knights quickly found their footing. Freshman Nessie Storey set up the equalizer in the 21st minute with a perfectly placed free kick to the back post, where Sydney Bastian finished the play to level the score.
Despite being outshot 1-9 in the first half, the Knights held their ground, maintaining 40% of the possession. Though Southern Virginia had fewer offensive opportunities, their well-coordinated ball movement allowed them to stay competitive. The Knights' deep roster also proved advantageous, with 21 different players seeing time on the field.
As has been the team's approach this season, Southern Virginia made a goalkeeper switch at halftime, with Senior Keeper Katrina Gardner stepping in. Gardner immediately made a crucial impact, including a key save off a Roanoke free kick in the 64th minute. Roanoke continued to apply pressure, but veterans Hailey Gadd, Lauren Fowler, Ella Thomas, and Maybel Harris, along with newcomers Nessie Storey and Lucy Skidmore, anchored the midfield and defense, keeping the Maroons at bay.
The Knights began to generate more offense in the second half, with Ricker nearly finding the back of the net in the 68th minute after a well-placed pass from Harris. Skidmore also had a couple of tries on goal in the 76th minute, and the Knights earned their first corner kick of the game with just 13 minutes remaining.
While Roanoke continued to press with free kicks that momentarily halted Southern Virginia's momentum, the Knights held firm, and the match ended in a well-earned 1-1 draw.
Goalkeepers Gardner and Chloë Miller shared duties, with each making key saves to keep the score level. The duo combined for eight saves, playing 45 minutes each.
Southern Virginia now turns its focus to the next two games in their ODAC slate. With a short reprieve, the Knights will look to secure their first win of the season on Saturday, September 14th, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m.
For more updates and details on the women's soccer team, follow @knight_wsoc on Instagram and visit knightathletics.com.
