On Thursday, Oct. 22, the Andrews University Women’s Cardinals held off a late surge from the Maranatha Baptist University Women’s Sabercats to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory at home. Despite an intense comeback attempt in the second half by the Sabercats, the Cardinals constant offense and early strikes in both halves made the ultimate difference.
The Cardinals wasted no time in putting pressure on the visitors when, in just the fifth minute of play, Katie Davis (17) found the back of the net after putting on a brilliant showcase of quick footwork, beating 3 defenders. Following the opening goal, the Cardinals controlled the tempo of the first half, restricting the Sabercats’ offense and giving them very few chances at goal before heading into the break with a 1-0 lead.
However, in the 49th minute, a clinical left-footed finish over the head of the Sabercats’ goalkeeper by Angie Nesmith (6) doubled the Cardinals’ lead. The momentum continued with the Cardinals throughout the second half. However, the Sabercats found a breakthrough in the defense of the Cardinals in the 71st minute after some lackluster defending, cutting the deficit to 2-1and bringing new energy to the game. Andrews reclaimed their two-goal cushion in the 82nd minute when Ruta Jankovic capitalized on a scoring opportunity to make it 3-1.
In a grandstand finish, the Sabercats refused to go quietly, responding just three minutes later with a consolation goal in the 85th minute. It was, however, not enough as the game finished with the Cardinals securing the win.
After coming off the back of a five-game losing streak, assistant coach Katie Young said that in preparation for this game, the Cardinals wanted to work together as a team. “This is our field, we’re gonna protect it,” she said. Cardinals coach Daron Raynor shared that he believed that this game was the momentum the team needed to finish the season strong in their last three games. “I knew we were capable of getting goals against them,” he shared.
The Cardinals played away at Cincinnati Clermont on Sunday, Oct. 25 (L, 7-0), at home on Wednesday, Oct. 28, against Grace Christian (W, 1-0). Their last game at home, against Faith Baptist Bible College, was Friday, Oct. 30 (L, 7-2).
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.