ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Hannah Kvant's second-half goal proved to be the difference Sunday afternoon as the Bethel University women's soccer team earned a 2-1 MIAC victory over Macalester College at Ona Orth Athletic Complex.
Bethel opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Sarah Motalebi found the back of the net off an assist from Jordan Volstad. The goal marked Motalebi's second of the season and gave the Royals a 1-0 advantage.
Macalester responded just over four minutes later, finding the equalizer in the 36th minute to send the teams into halftime tied at 1-1.
The Royals came out with increased offensive pressure after the break, generating six of their eight total shots and all four of their corner kicks in the second half.
Bethel's pressure paid off in the 61st minute when Kvant scored her fourth goal of the season to put the Royals back in front, 2-1.
The Bethel defense made the one-goal advantage stand over the final 29 minutes. The Royals recorded three second-half saves and kept Macalester off the scoreboard the rest of the way to secure the conference victory.
Bethel's goalkeeper finished with nine saves in the match, including six in the opening half. Despite Macalester generating 23 shots and putting 10 on goal, the Royals allowed just one to find the back of the net.
Bethel made the most of its opportunities offensively, scoring on both of its shots on goal. The Royals also finished even with Macalester in corner kicks at four apiece.
The victory moves Bethel to 3-6-1 overall and 2-3-1 in MIAC play.
Up Next: Bethel travels to Duluth Wednesday for an MIAC matchup against the College of St. Scholastica. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
