SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Wofford women's soccer team withstood a late comeback attempt from UNCG to best the Spartans, 2-1, on Friday night at Snyder Field. The Terriers struck first in the 16^th minute when Rachel Rasins scored from short distance. They extended their lead in the 50^th minute when Caileen Almeida broke free and beat the keeper. The Spartans drew within a goal in the 79^th minute when Caroline Woods found the back of the net. But the Terriers would hold on for the 2-1 victory.
 
The win was Wofford's first-ever against UNCG. The Terriers had previously only mustered five draws against the Spartans with 24 losses in 29 prior matches.
 
"It was a really good team win for us as we beat them for the first time in program history," said head coach Emily Grant. "We have been talking about everybody as a group being prepared to step on the field and being sharp, consistent and ready to help us win. We got that tonight. Previous games have been hit or miss, but this game we had a true team win."
 
UNCG put on the match's first shot in the 5^th minute, but it was saved. Though Wofford's first shot didn't come until the 16^th minute, it was worth the wait for the Terriers. With both sides battling for the ball in the box, Mia Bookhard was able to get it to Rachel Rasins, who slotted it home for the early lead. UNCG would launch the next four shots, but nothing connected. Savannah Vathy had a look in the 35^th minute, but the shot was wide. The Spartans attempted two more in the 39^th and 40^th minutes, but they were wide and saved, respectively. McKenzie Guest gave one last attempt to extend Wofford's lead before halftime, but her shot missed right, and the Terriers entered the break up only 1-0.
 
It did not take the Terriers long to find that second goal out of the break. The Spartans missed a shot high in the 50^th minute, and on the ensuing Wofford possession, Caileen Almeida broke free from the Spartan defense and bested the keeper. Katie Gilligan contributed the assist. UNCG went on the attack, peppering Wofford goalkeeper Caroline Doss with a plethora of shots, but she held firm. However, the Spartans finally broke through in the 79^th minute when Caroline Woods shot from long distance and found the back of the net, drawing the Spartans within one. A minute later, Woods tried to slot the equalizer home, but Caroline Doss scooped up the save. Abigail McKenzie tried to offer an insurance goal for the Terriers in the 81^st minute, but the shot was saved. The Spartans entered desperation mode in the final ten minutes, sending the next four shots, but only one was on goal – another Caroline Woods attempt in the 82^nd minute that was saved. Rachel Rasins gave two attempts to put the game out of reach, including a shot in the 90^th minute where she tried to chip UNCG's keeper after she came out of the net, but the shot took an unlucky bounce and went over the crossbar. It did not matter, however, as the Spartans could not get off another shot, sealing Wofford's 2-1 historic victory.
 
Wofford (4-11-0, 2-4-0) only totaled nine shots in comparison to UNCG's (3-5-6, 2-2-2) 24 shots. The Spartans also held a significant advantage in corners, 11-3. Caroline Doss (1-4-0) picked up a career-high nine saves in net for the Terriers. Aiyanah Tyler-Cooper (2-5-6) tallied three saves in the other goal for the Spartans.
 
The Terriers will be back in action at Snyder Field one final time this Sunday, Oct. 17. Kickoff for Wofford's Senior Day match against the VMI Keydets is set for 1:00 pm.