UTICA, N.Y. — Keuka College battled back from an early deficit and took the lead early in the second half, but the Wolves were unable to hold on as they fell 3-2 in an Empire 8 match at Utica University on Wednesday afternoon.
Bailey Cook scored her fourth goal of the season and
Sophia Watkins added her second of the year.
Sam Bates recorded an assist, while
Payton Malec made eight saves in goal.
Keuka College 2 at Utica University 3
Keuka College (4-5, 0-4 Empire 8) weathered heavy early pressure as Malec made four first-half saves to keep the Wolves within striking distance. The hosts broke through in the 21st minute, but the Wolves responded before halftime. Watkins entered as a substitute in the 39th minute and, just over two minutes later, found the equalizer at the 40:45 mark to send the teams into the break tied 1-1.
The Green and Gold carried that momentum into the second half. Just 3:06 after the restart, Bates slipped a pass to Cook, who finished giving Keuka College a 2-1 advantage in the 49th minute.
The lead was short-lived as the Pioneers answered in the 55th minute to level the match at 2-2. Keuka College continued to create chances, earning back-to-back corner kicks and forcing several saves, but the eventual game-winning goal came in the 71st minute. The Wolves pushed for another equalizer over the final 20 minutes, including a late corner kick, but were unable to find the tying goal.
KC Notes:
- The Wolves moved to 8-10-2 all-time against the Pioneers
- Bailey Cook is now tied for second on the team in goals on the season
- Watkins scored her second goal of the season off the bench
- Payton Malec finished with a season high eight saves
Up Next for Keuka College: The Wolves return home after a three-game road trip to host St. John Fisher on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 1:00 p.m.
