WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Palm Beach Atlantic women's soccer earned their first win of the season in a 3-2 victory over Georgian Court on Sunday at Rinker Athletic Campus. The Sailfish scored three consecutive goals to finalize the comeback in the last 40 minutes.
The first half began with PBA applying early pressure, creating multiple opportunities. Madison Kovar initiated an offensive push with a shot just wide in the second minute, followed by several attempts that tested Georgian Court's goalkeeper, Delaine Wilkinson, who made multiple key saves against Kelsi Bennett and Kendall Popp. The 'Fish were unable to convert on multiple chances and shots including a penalty kick by Meren Patton.
As the half progressed, Georgian Court capitalized on an opportunity in the 27th minute when Kayla Reed scored, giving them a lead. PBA continued to control the game, with Riley Chapman and Cassidy Norley contributing shots that were saved. The period concluded with the Sailfish trailing 1-0, despite strong offensive pressure and multiple shot attempts.
The second period began with Georgian Court extending its lead early in the 48th minute when Chelsea Lavezzo scored, assisted by Ashlee Spicer. The Sailfish quickly responded with a surge of offensive pressure. Meren Patton's goal in the 53rd minute, assisted by Maddie Hulme, cut the deficit to one and gave the Sailfish the momentum they needed.
Minutes later, Patton passed the ball off to Bennett who knocked in the tying goal. The Sailfish maintained control of the game, and in the 76th minute, Maddie Hulme found the net with an assist from Kendall Popp, giving the Sailfish a 3-2 lead.
The game closed with PBA holding its lead, despite Georgian Court's attempts to equalize. Jadyn Stults made crucial saves to preserve the advantage, concluding the match with a 3-2 victory for the Sailfish.
Meren Patton contributed significantly by scoring one goal and providing an assist, finishing with four shots, two of which were on target. Maddie Hulme made a decisive impact with one goal, one assist, and a game-winning goal among her four shots, three of which were on goal. Kelsi Bennett added to the scoring with a goal and recorded four shots, including two on target. Goalkeeper Jadyn Stults played a crucial role defensively, making four saves over the course of the match.
The women's soccer team is back in action Friday when they host Sul Ross State at 6:00 PM at the Rinker Athletic Campus.
