CANTON, Ohio – The Malone University women's soccer team pulled off an incredible come-from-behind victory against Thomas More University on Thursday evening by a score of 3-2. In a game that featured four goals in the final 10 minutes of play, the Pioneers moved to 8-5-1 overall and 6-5-0 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). The Saints fall to 5-6-3 and 2-6-3 in the league.
 
"I'm proud of the team and their fight," Head Coach Bailey Shattell said post-match. "There were a lot of emotional highs and lows in the last ten minutes. They had a relentless attitude!"
 
Malone fell behind 1-0 with a goal in the 60th minute and that score would remain throughout a majority of the second half. It was not until freshman Stephanie Tovar was true on a free kick from just outside the box to tie the match up at 1-1 in the 81st minute.
 
Just two minutes later, the Pioneers would take their first lead of the night when senior Anna Puentespina found junior Brynn Mowrer on the right side of the box for the goal. Upon the ensuing kick-off, Thomas More was able to deflect a clearing attempt by the defense into the back of the net to draw even at 2-2 with seven minutes left to play.
 
The offensive onslaught would continue as Mowrer centered a pass to freshman Morgan Kandel for the go-ahead goal in the 85th minute. The Saints went on the offensive to try to score the game-tying goal, but the Pioneers were able to clear the ball out of danger and hang on for the win.
 
"Emotions were really high," Kandel explained. "I was able to calm down and really focus on playing feet. We were able to find the wide option and play it inside."
 
The victory and three points moves Malone ahead of Ohio Dominican University in the G-MAC standings. The Pioneers are now fifth, five points safe of seventh-place Walsh University with three matches remaining in the regular season for Malone.
 
In total, Thomas More won the shot battle 16-15, but the Pioneers had just two shots in the first half and flipped the script for a 13-shot outburst in the second. Malone had eight shots on goal, led by Kandel, Mowrer and freshman Eliza Wills with two each. Sophomore goalkeeper Amelia Henderhan (7-5-1) had four saves while she, senior Madison Woodward and junior Hannah Hubbard played all 90 minutes.
 
The Pioneers will celebrate the Senior Class of 2025 prior to their next match on Saturday, October 26 against Northwood University. Kick-off will be at 4:00 P.M. following the men's soccer game against the same opponent at 1:00 P.M.