On a rainy Thursday evening, the Bob Jones University Lady Bruins fell to the visiting St. Andrews University Knights 3-0.
The Knights wasted no time, quickly putting pressure on the BJU defense. Kristin Haertlein slowed the St. Andrews’ attack with several key saves.
Midway through the first half, referees delayed the match because of lightning in the area. After over an hour delay, play resumed as Nicole Bass, a junior forward, capitalized in the opening possession to give the Knights a 1-0 lead. The Bruins rebounded from the goal to hold their own for several minutes, but were unable to find the back of the net.
Haertlein did her best against the Knights’ onslaught, eventually recording nine saves. However, in the 41st minute, Alex Freesland slid the ball into the bottom corner, giving the Knights a 2-0 advantage.
Going into the half down by two, the Lady Bruins knew that they would have to press higher up the field to get back into the game. BJU created many chances, but were unable to find the back of the net. In the 78th minute, the Knights scored a third goal, as a Madeline Castro shot from 18 yards out barely curled under the crossbar.
Despite the 3-0 deficit, the Bruins’ effort never waned. Forward Anna Daulton came on for defender Ally Jenkins in an attempt to pressure the Knights’ defense; however, the Knights would not relinquish and maintained a clean sheet.
The one-sided result was an inaccurate depiction of the two teams. The Lady Bruins controlled possession and tallied 13 shots. Coach Carmichael was impressed with several of the freshmen and said they had “improved a lot.” As the team continues to grow together, so does the potential of this year’s BJU women’s soccer team.
Next, the Lady Bruins will take on the Reinhardt University Eagles Saturday, Sept. 19, in Waleska, Georgia.
