Lynchburg, Va. – The University of Lynchburg women's soccer team scored its game-winning goal in the 77th minute as Sammie Rogstad's penalty kick propelled the Hornets to a 2-1 victory over Marymount in the home opener at Shellenberger Field.
Lynchburg matched the team's 2017 opening record with a 6-0 start to the season, and the Hornets netted multiple goals in each contest. With the win, the Hornets remained an unblemished 3-0 against the Saints since 2000.
Despite outshooting Marymount 22-3, both teams traded blows in the opening 20 minutes. The Hornets did not allow a shot until the 18th minute, when the Saints scored their lone goal of the match.
The Hornets pushed the tempo from the opening whistle, leading to a Makayla Hargrove strike in the fourth minute. Leigha Gronau fired a shot that took a pair of ricochets to Hargrove, who slotted the shot past the keeper for an easy score.
Hargrove's delivery marked her third goal of the season, and the sophomore tied Teigan Casey for the team lead.
In the following minutes, Lynchburg rattled the post several times but could not add insurance. On the counter, however, Marymount claimed its first goal of the game off a set piece to equalize.
Ariana Blanco received a quick pass in the box and rolled the ball past Julia Salo to narrowly secure the game-tying goal. The Saints maintained an even scoreline into halftime, despite the 11-2 shot advantage for Lynchburg.
The Hornets earned the majority of possession in the second half, although they failed to convert a shot within the run of play. Lynchburg didn't find its go-ahead opportunity until the 77th minute, when Sammie Rogstad was tripped along the end line.
After the contact, Rogstad marched to the penalty spot and delivered her second game-winning goal of the season. The goal marked her third as a Hornet.
Lynchburg defended throughout the final 10 minutes and eliminated Marymount's chance to attack in the final seconds.Â
The Hornets outshot their opponents in each of their six wins to open the season. Additionally, the team's 13 corners versus Marymount represented their second-highest total of the season.
Next time out, the Hornets will travel to Winchester, Va. on Wednesday, Sept. 23 for a 7:00 p.m. clash with Shenandoah to open ODAC play.
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