NEWBERRY, S.C. – The Newberry women’s soccer team suffered a 4-1 loss at the hands of the Columbus State University Lady Cougars this afternoon at the Newberry Soccer Complex. Both teams are rated in the NSCAA/adidas Southeast Region this week, as the Lady Cougars took over the No. 7 spot while Newberry improved to ninth. Columbus State jumped on the Lady Indians early by scoring three first-half goals. Newberry’s lone goal came early in the second half, but wasn’t enough. With the loss, the Lady Indians drop to 6-5-1 overall and remain 2-3 in conference play. The Lady Cougars improve to 9-4-0 and stay 3-1 in the Peach Belt.
Columbus State controlled the majority of the first half. Their constant pressure paid off when defender Megan Honig (Safety Harbor, Fla.) delivered a corner kick into the path of defender Cortney Norris (Woodstock, Ga.), who sent the ball over Newberry keeper Joanna Rathbun (Bedford, Texas) in the 27th minute. The Lady Cougars wasted little time as they notched their second goal two minutes later. The goal came when Honig sent a free kick curving around a Newberry wall and into the net. Columbus State added a third goal to the board when defender Sarah Hawkins (Lilburn, Ga.) corralled a loose ball and sent a shot on goal. The ball ricocheted off Rathbun and finally off of Hawkins’ leg in the 34th minute. Newberry tried to get a last minute attack going, but was unable to do so before halftime.
The second half featured a rejuvenated Newberry squad, who visibly picked up the intensity level. The ladies gained more ball control and were able to keep the Lady Cougars on the defensive. Defender Greta Hewett (Charleston, S.C.) had an open look early in the half, but a Columbus State defender was able to drop back and prevent the ball from crossing the line. The Lady Indians finally got on the board in the 55th minute after a free kick. Forward Inga Woiwode (El Paso, Texas) received a double pass from midfielder Alie Brady (Summerville, S.C.) and forward Brooke Tumblin (Florence, S.C.) for the goal. The Lady Indians had a couple of late chances to score, but the Columbus State defense stayed solid.
After being out shot 10-4 in the first half, the Lady Indians improved in the second half to make the total shots comparable at 14-13, Columbus State. Newberry’s Rathbun came up with five saves, while Monica Sanchez (Riverview, Fla.) and Megan Robey (Valrico, Fla.) picked up one and three saves, respectively, for the Lady Cougars.
Next up for the Lady Indians is a home match against Lenoir-Rhyne College on October 15th. The action will begin at 2 p.m. The Lady Cougars hit the road for a game against USC Upstate also on October 15th. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
