PIKEVILLE, Ky. – Milligan University's women's soccer team faced an important test on Wednesday night in Pikeville, Ky., as they faced the University of Pikeville Bears. With both squads entering play next to each other in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) standings at 5-2-2 (UPIKE) and 6-2-2 (MU), it was a massive 2-1 result that the Buffaloes were able to concoct on the road to continue pushing toward the top of the conference.
It was a fast and furious opening 45 minutes, with the Buffs notching the match's first two goals in the 15th and 28th minutes. The first of two tallies was scored by
Bianca Vacirca on a sweet assist by
Natalie Roper to give the Buffaloes an early lead. Then, Roper and Vacirca switched roles, as the former converted the next goal on a feed from the German freshman. A two-goal lead did not last for long, as the Bears scored their first of the contest in the 32nd minute to cut the MU advantage to one goal, which is where the score Sat entering the intermission.
A battle of attrition took place in the second half, with the UPIKE squad leading the way with a 9-3 shot advantage. Not many of their chances resulted in attempts on net, though, as the Buffs were forced to save only three shots. The score would remain 2-1, sealing Milligan an important AAC triumph away from home.
Milligan held a 7-4 shot lead after the opening stanza, but Pikeville returned the favor with a 9-3 second half. Thus, the Buffaloes were outshot in the contest. However, MU did have seven shots on frame to UPIKE's six. Seven different Buffaloes tallied the shots on goal, with Vacirca, Roper,
Nikki Shirley,
Lauren Hawkley,
Kylie Malone,
Kelsey Miller and
Katelyn Penner notching the attempts on frame.
Emily Robinson picked up another win between the pipes, saving five out of six shots she faced, as her record for the season is synonymous with the squad's at 8-3-2.
The Buffaloes now return home for a tilt with the Union Commonwealth University (Ky.) Bulldogs on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. on Anglin Field. It is the first of two contests at home on back-to-back days for the Buffs.
