CRESSON, Pa. — The Mount Aloysius College women's soccer team opened conference play in exciting fashion on Saturday, earning a 3-2 victory over Carlow University at Kelly Field.
The Mounties came out with strong offensive pressure throughout the opening half, recording seven shots and seven corner kicks. After Carlow took an early 1-0 lead in the 16th minute, Mount Aloysius quickly answered to even the match. In the 27th minute, Abigail Solano (Spencerport, N.Y., Spencerport) found the back of the net for the first time in her collegiate career, scoring an unassisted goal to bring the match level at 1-1. The milestone goal provided a spark for the Mounties as they continued to create opportunities in the attacking third.
Mount Aloysius then took the lead late in the first half. Brooke Thomas (Altoona, Pa., Altoona) scored in the 39th minute off an assist from Abby Bell (Hollidaysburg, Pa., Hollidaysburg), sending the Mounties into halftime with a 2-1 advantage.
Carlow responded early in the second half, tying the match at 2-2 in the 62nd minute. The Mounties continued to push forward, however, and eventually reclaimed the lead in the 77th minute.
Thomas delivered the go-ahead goal, her second of the afternoon, with Kaylee Dowdell (Windber, PA, Windber) providing the assist. The Mounties held off the Celtics over the final minutes to secure the 3-2 conference victory.
Thomas led the Mounties offensively with two goals on six shots, while Solano added her first collegiate goal. Mount Aloysius finished the match with a 14-8 advantage in shots and an 8-6 edge in corner kicks.
In goal, Katie Scott (Mineral Point, Pa. , Central Cambria) played all 90 minutes and recorded three saves to help preserve the Mounties' first conference victory of the season.
