(Dover, Del.) – Looking for its second consecutive victory for the first time since 2008, the Delaware State women's soccer team (1-6) put forth a valiant effort against the visiting Rider Broncs (4-2), but a Hollie Keish (1) score with less than 10 minutes to play was enough to sneak past the Hornets, 2-1.
In the first half, after receiving a pass from forward Michelle Iacono, defender/midfielder Tara Ballay (5) put a shot past DSU's Katelyn Koslosky for the first goal of the night. Coming into tonight's contest, Ballay was Rider's top scorer with four goals and two assists for 10 points.
At the break, the Broncs remained on top by one, in addition to outshooting the Hornets, 16-7. Koslosky, meanwhile, collected six saves to keep Delaware State within striking distance.
After intermission, RU continued its strong offensive prowess, attempting multiple shots in DSU territory. Nevertheless, Koslosky and the rest of the Hornets kept the Broncs at bay.
As the period progressed, DSU was awarded a corner kick during the 74th minute, resulting defender Taylor Pratcher placing the ball in RU's goalie box. Thankfully, forward Chelsea Boursiquot (2) capitalized with a beautiful header shot to tie the game.
Rider, on the other hand, regained the lead about eight minutes later, when Iacono tallied her second assist of the night by finding Hollie about 20 yards in front of DSU's net for the goal.
Despite being down, the Hornets kept fighting to the final minute, as Boursiquot had a great chance to send the match into overtime with about 30 seconds to play. Unfortunately, after controlling the ball on the left wing in RU territory, her shot resulted in Bethany-May Howard's seventh save of the night.
At game's end, the Broncs tallied 27 shots, including 14 placed on-goal. Offensively for the Hornets, they managed 13 attempts, along with a season-high eight shots place on-frame.
Koslosky, meanwhile, collected a season-high 12 saves, including several stops in the second period to keep the Hornets in the game.
Coming up, Delaware State will look to avenge a 2-0 loss last season to Wagner this Sunday on the road at 1 p.m.
