Rookies Step Up For Women’s Soccer, Come Back for 2-1 Victory over Daemen

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NEWARK, Del. - - A pair of rookies led a comeback charge for the Wilmington University women's soccer team, as the Wildcats scored twice in the second half to defeat Daemen, 2-1, for their first win of the season on Monday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex.

On a hot and muggy Labor Day, the Wildcats (1-1) were slow to pick up the pace in the early going, but eventually took over possession late in the first half. But by that point, Daemen (1-2) had already taken a 1-0 lead.

Daemen's Jamie Boyar was the recipient of a long through ball down the middle in the eighth minute. Wildcats goalkeeper Kate Tubo came out of the box to great Boyar, being able to stop the initial attempt. But the ball popped up in the air and Boyar was the only one able to get it to, slotting it home for the quick 1-0 lead but 7:10 into the contest.

Wilmington ended up outshooting Daemen, 7-5, in the first half, but couldn't find the back of the net.

The momentum carried into the second for the Wildcats, as they opened the half with back-to-back corners and majority of possession. But it took until the 57^th minute for the team to even the score.

Rebecca Dolhansky played a ball into space down the right side for Alex Keck. The redshirt freshman played a ball from the right side, angled towards the back post. The ball carried over the Daemen goalkeeper and into the side netting for her first collegiate career goal 56:14 into the match.

Tubo was called on to make five saves throughout the second half, coming up with the stop on each opportunity. That allowed the offense to keep the pressure up, as Jasmine Brake nearly put the home team in front with a shot off the crossbar in the 76^th minute.

Dolhanksy's attempt in the 86^th minute was deflected out of bounds and the Wildcats made sure to make the ensuing corner count.

Dolhansky's corner laid up on the back post for freshman Cassidy McErlain, who headed it home for her first collegiate career goal 85:36 into the match. Her goal resulted in the game winner.

The Wildcats outshot Daemen, 13-12, for the game, despite earning fewer corners, 5-4, for the match. Tubo made seven saves for the Wildcats while Daemen goalkeeper Maddie Flores made five stops.

Wilmington remains home for its next contest, as the Wildcats host nationally No. 8 West Chester at the WU Athletics Complex. The opening whistle is set for 4:00 p.m.