WOMEN’S SOCCER

The Pilots of Bethel University played spoiler to HU’s Homecoming festivities Saturday afternoon at King Stadium by handing the Forester women’s soccer team a 3-2 loss. Both teams entered the day hungry for their first CL win and the battle that ensued made that obvious.

Avery Giguere got her team on the board 22 minutes in when she slotted the keeper on a beautifully through ball from Courtney McKown. The goal is Giguere’s third this fall while the assist is McKown’s second of the year.

Huntington allowed just three shots in the opening 45 minutes to hold their visitors scoreless and head into recess with a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, the Pilots (4-9, 1-3) came out firing on all cylinders in the second half and their renewed energy paid off within the first 60 seconds when Audrey Lerch found a little space to blast one back netting to knot things up at 1-1.

Bailey O’Dell put the Foresters back on top in the 59th minute when she, in the air, one-touched Ashtyn Patrick’s corner kick for her fourth goal of the year. The Pilots didn’t take long to counter thanks to a shot off the post that rebounded to Kama Hardy who put it away at the 66:17 mark for the Pilots’ second equalizer of the day.

While both squads ratcheted up the intensity, it was Lerch who struck again with just over seven minutes remaining to give Bethel their first lead of the day that also proved permanent.

“We had an off week this week,” said Coach Lewis. “Credit Bethel for playing hard and finishing their opportunities. We had two nice goals but we have to seal up our defense.”

When all the dust settled, HU finished with 18 shots on the afternoon, 11 of frame, while the Pilots collected 12 shots, nine of which were on target. Corner kicks also favored the hosts 6-4.

Maddy Moan posted six saves in the losing effort. HU (3-9, 0-4) is back at it on Wednesday at Saint Francis for a match under the lights at 7:00 p.m.