Rocky Mount, NC. — The North Carolina Wesleyan women's soccer team battled Greensboro College through a scoreless opening 70 minutes before falling 2-0 on Saturday afternoon at Scalf Field in the Battling Bishops' USA South opener.
NC Wesleyan's defense turned in a strong first-half effort, keeping Greensboro off the scoreboard despite nine shots from the Pride. Goalkeeper Grace Walls was outstanding in net, recording eight saves during the opening 45 minutes to send the match into halftime tied at 0-0.
The Bishops also created opportunities of their own early in the match. Jordan Fernandez recorded an attempt in the 11th minute before Nicole Goodwin put a shot on goal moments later, forcing a save from Greensboro goalkeeper Alyssa Lane.
NC Wesleyan continued to hold firm well into the second half before Greensboro broke through at the 70:40 mark when Isabella Kelly scored off an assist from Trinity Robinson. Kelly struck again just over a minute later at 72:04 to give the Pride a 2-0 advantage.
The Bishops responded by pushing forward offensively. Samantha Fore generated an opportunity immediately following Greensboro's second goal, while Fernandez put an attempt on frame in the 75th minute and followed with another shot less than a minute later. Chloe Hudson added a late attempt as NC Wesleyan continued searching for a goal through the final minutes.
Walls finished the match with a season-high 10 saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal. Fernandez led the Bishops with three shots, while Fore added two and Goodwin and Hudson each recorded one. NC Wesleyan finished with seven total shots, including five in the second half, as the Bishops continued to battle through the final whistle.
