LEXINGTON, VA. – Wofford women's soccer team took on the VMI Keydets in Sunday afternoon's matchup, with both teams scoring early in the match resulting in a 2-2 score at half. The Terriers matched their first half scoring in the second to grab the win, 4-2. The four goals are the most scored in a conference game since 2015 when Wofford defeated The Citadel 4-0.
The Terriers thought they scored in the opening minute as
Rachel Rasins turned and shot as she was falling down, but it just went wide of the net. VMI came back with a long range effort that sailed over the crossbar, and
Maria Mon had to come up with a save off a headed attempt a minute later. Wofford did find the first goal in the 10
th minute as VMI lost control in their defensive zone and
Mia Bookhard picked up the loose ball and calmly slid it into the bottom corner. The Keydets would tie the game in the 20
th minute with a goal of their own, but on the ensuing kickoff, Bookhard found herself in the box and put away her second the get the lead back again. The action didn't stop their as VMI would level the game for a 2-2 score midway through the first half. The defense finally settled in for both squads as it was a tie game at halftime.
Wofford regained their lead just three minutes into the second half as
Paige Miller took a long freekick that found Bookhard's head as she flicked it past the goalkeeper to record her hat trick. Bookhard was searching for her fourth, but she didn't get much on her left-footed effort. The Terriers did find a fourth with
Meara Kelly scoring a header off a corner kick to push them ahead 4-2 with just over 20 minutes remaining. Wofford was controlling the pace of play in the second half as Mon wasn't as busy, but had to catch some long balls to prevent VMI from having any chances. VMI pressed in the final five minutes, but it was no use as the Terriers had locked down their defense and collected a road victory.
Mia Bookhard scored her first three goals of the season while
Meara Kelly recorded her first.
Katie Gilligan got her second assists of the year and
Paige Miller earned her first. VMI had an edge on shots, but Wofford had more shots on goal, 9-7. Both goalkeepers had five saves while the Terriers lead in corner kicks, 2-1.