In a contest that honored the fallen victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks as well as the 13 U.S. soldiers and 60 Afghan victims of the Kabul airport attacks, the women's soccer program at Shawnee State showcased a strong fight against the undefeated Lourdes Gray Wolves' women's soccer program, ultimately falling by a narrow 2-1 decision in an impressive battle of wits Saturday evening at Shawnee Turf.
Throughout the match, both offenses and starting goalkeepers had more than their fair share of strong moments, with Lourdes controlling the pace for much of the first half and Shawnee State turning the tide with a better second half push up front.
While Shawnee State was outshot by a 24-10 margin, goalkeeper Shelbi Ritchie put together one of her best career performances to help keep the Bears in the fight the entire way.
Aided by tough defense from players such as Jule Kalmer, Ramiah Wallace, Bjarndis Birgisdottir, and reserve defenders Bianca Robinson and Tenley McNutt, Ritchie showcased several fantastic dives en route to making an incredible 14 saves -- a career-high -- while facing 16 total shots.
However, with just over eight minutes to play in the opening half, the ball movement of Lourdes' offense proved to be too much as Brynn McGarvey scored off of a rebound to put the Gray Wolves in front, 1-0, just prior to the halftime break.
In the second half, Emily Johnson's goal off of a penalty kick, following a foul inside the penalty box, put the Gray Wolves up by a 2-0 just three minutes into the final period of play, but just two minutes later, Haynna Addy found Eilidh Mchattie in the middle of the box, who then made the unselfish pass to Paige Alford for the latter's 10th goal of her career on a right-to-left finish.
Back within a 2-1 margin, Shawnee State tried to mount a charge late as two corner kicks by Alford and Birgisdottir and a shot by Brenna Woodard in the 78th minute all occurred within a 12-minute period on Lourdes' end of the field. However, the Bears couldn't capitalize as Lourdes moved to 2-0-2 with the victory.
Shawnee State, with the loss, falls to 4-3. The Bears will be back in action for its Mid-South Conference opener Tuesday, Sept. 21 at Lindsey Wilson for a 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT kick in Columbia, Ky.
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