ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University women's soccer team struck early against St. Olaf College on Saturday afternoon but was unable to hold off a second-half comeback, falling 2-1 in MIAC action at Ona Orth Athletic Complex.
The Royals wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, finding the back of the net less than five minutes into the contest. Hannah Kvant scored her sixth goal of the season at the 4:46 mark, finishing off an assist from goalkeeper Autumn Maki to give Bethel an early 1-0 advantage.
Bethel maintained its lead throughout the remainder of the opening half, out-shooting St. Olaf 7-6 and earning three corner kicks compared to the Oles' one. The Royals carried their one-goal advantage into halftime.
St. Olaf responded early in the second half, evening the score in the 53rd minute when Wren VanDeWalker found the back of the net to make it 1-1.
The Oles continued to apply offensive pressure throughout the second half, recording 11 shots while limiting Bethel to just one attempt.
With less than eight minutes remaining in regulation, VanDeWalker struck again in the 83rd minute, scoring off an assist from Emma Boyle to give St. Olaf its first lead of the afternoon.
Bethel was unable to find a late equalizer as the Oles held on for the 2-1 victory.
The Royals finished with eight total shots, including three on goal, while St. Olaf recorded 17 shots with six on target. Both teams earned four corner kicks.
Defensively, Autumn Maki recorded three saves in 52:46 of action, while Abby Wright added one save in 37:14, giving the Royals four saves on the afternoon.
The loss moves Bethel to 5-7-2 overall and 4-4-2 in MIAC play.
Up Next: Bethel returns to Ona Orth Athletic Complex on Sunday, Oct. 25, to host UW-Whitewater in a non-conference match-up. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. in what will be the Royals' final home game of the season.
