WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Palm Beach Atlantic women's soccer took a 3-2 victory over Sul Ross State in their senior night game on Thursday at Rinker Athletic Campus. Despite two lightning delays, the Sailfish were able to secure their second win of the season.
The Sailfish found themselves behind early after Keirsten Rowland knocked in an early goal. They regained composure and took control of the match as they applied consistent pressure on the Lobos defense. The 'Fish generated six shots and three corner kicks by the 10:24 mark, including shots by Kelsi Bennet,
Kendall Popp,
Maddie Hulme, and
Meren Patton. Hulme tied the match at 17:05 off an assist from
Kendall Popp, and the Sailfish continued to pile up chances through Abby Longstaff,
Cassidy Norley, and Popp. After four shots in four minutes, Popp gave the 'Fish the lead with an unassisted goal. Just minutes later Longstaff passed the ball off to Hulme who knocked in the third of the night for the Sailfish.
After a weather-delayed start to the second half, the Sailfish answered early pressure from the Lobos by taking over possession with four corner-kicks and multiple shots including Longstaff's shot on goal. The 'Fish continued to create chances after the hour mark, including Norley hitting the left woodwork in the 71st minute and her called-back goal.
Kayla Sciortino,
Kelsi Bennett, and Patton continued to take their chances at the goal before Sul Ross State pulled within one and scored in the 82nd minute, with Kiersten Rowland finishing off an assist from Gabby Trevino to make it 3-2. After the goal, Norley forced another save in the 83rd minute and Patton added a shot in the 87th as the Sailfish saw out the half and finished the match with a 3-2 win.
Hulme scored twice, including the game-winning goal, and put three of her six shots on goal. Popp scored once, added an assist, and finished with three points on five shots. Longstaff recorded an assist and put four of her seven shots on goal. Norley led the Sailfish with eight shots and placed three on frame.
The Sailfish will travel to Edward Waters for a Labor Day match at 3:00 p.m.
