The Mansfield University women's soccer team (1-6-1, 0-6-1 PSAC East) scored three unanswered goals in the second half to erase an early deficit, but Shepherd University (3-4-2, 2-4-1 PSAC East) countered with two scores in the final 12 minutes to steal a 4-3 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division contest on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 21 at the MU Soccer Field.
The Rams blanked the Mounties in the first half and scored twice to carry a 2-0 lead into the break.
However, the Mounties cut the deficit in half when junior Bailey Dockman (Waynesboro, Pa. / Saint Maria Goretti) connected for her second goal of the season in the 48th minute.
After a scoreless ensuing 23 minutes, the Mounties scored the equalizer when sophomore Katelyn Rueppel (Myerstown, Pa. / Eastern Lebanon County) netted her team-leading third goal of the season. Senior Olivia Bowman (Johnson City, N.Y. / Johnson City) and junior Emily Smith (Lehman, Pa. / Lake-Lehman) earned assists on the play.
Bowman scored a goal of her own just over a minute later, beating the keeper on a penalty kick to give the Mounties their first lead, 3-2. The goal was Bowman's first of the season.
However, Shepherd regained the momentum with a score in the 78th minute to knot the game at 3-3, before netting the game-winner in the 85th minute, while not allowing another goal to seal the victory.
Six yellow cards were handed out during the contest, with three going to the Rams and one to MU.
The Rams outshot the Mounties by five in the first have, but MU cut the disadvantage down to two in the second period during the comeback.
Sara Hohn led the Rams' offense with two goals and a game-high six shots on goal.
Freshman Samantha Merklin (Effort, Pa. / Pleasant Valley) made a game-high eight saves, while Shepherd's Alayna Burgamy collected four to earn the victory.
The Mounties travel to Roberts Wesleyan College on Monday, Sept. 26 for a 6 p.m. non-conference match.
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