Women’s soccer ties with Lions, defeats Union alums

Alumni Soccer
Kayleigh Patterson, freshman broadcast journalism major, passes the ball Sept. 28 at the alumni soccer game. | Photo by Matt McDaniel
Alumni Soccer
Kayleigh Patterson, freshman broadcast journalism major, passes the ball Sept. 28 during an alumni soccer game at the Smith Memorial Soccer Complex. | Photo by Matt McDaniel

Union University’s women’s soccer team tied 2-2 in a double overtime game Sept. 25 against the University of North Alabama on the pitch at Smith Memorial Soccer Complex.

North Alabama took the lead early in the game off a goal scored by Abby Fannin. Fannin scored in the 2nd minute off an assist from Jennifer Osmond.

North Alabama managed to maintain the 1-0 advantage at halftime.

In the 57th minute of the second half, Kayleigh Patterson of Union headed a ball off of a pass from Hannah Miller evening the score, however, Chloe Richards put North Alabama back on top with a shot in the 78th minute.

Kelsey Wilkes, freshman and forward of the Lady Bulldogs equalized the score once more with a goal in the 83rd minute from the top of the 18-yard box off a feed from sophomore, defense player Madison Purdy.

Emily Waggoner made three saves for Union, each in the second half.

Rachel Beninati of North Alabama saved nine Union shots, seven of which were in the second half.

“We played the whole game and never quit, so overall the game went well,” Waggoner said. “We are playing much better than last year, so I have high hopes for the rest of the year.”

The Lady Bulldogs also held an alumni match Sept. 28 for Family Weekend.

It was an easy win for the current line up of the Lady Bulldogs, the final score being 12-1. Goals were scored by Dionna Linn, Kay Morgan, Emily Crane, Wilkes, Patterson and Purdy.

The alumnis’ goal was scored by Kelsey Gilbert, who graduated last year.

“It wasn’t really a taxing game, so we were able to test a few things and substitute players a lot,” Purdy said.

Playing alumni could seem daunting, but the Lady Bulldogs won with ease.

“Some of the alumni were still very skilled but they were pretty out of shape,” Purdy said. “It was fun to see old faces again, though.”

The game took place during Family Weekend, so many of the players’ families and friends were there to support them during this less serious match than others.

On Oct. 3, the Lady Bulldogs faced off against Asbury University, defeating the team 1-0.

The game took place on Union’s home pitch.

Kelsey Wilkes scored the goal for the Lady Bulldogs in the 39th minute from a few yards outside the penalty box.