For the first time this year, EMU's soccer women scored first.  While the early lead was equalized, the Royals kept their composure and controlled the second half in a 2-1 ODAC victory over Randolph College Saturday night in Harrisonburg.

After a quiet start to the contest, the teams traded momentum before the Royals broke through in the 40th minute.  Sierra Martin (Glenwood Springs, Colo./Glenwood Springs) pushed the ball up the right side and sent a beautiful cross in front of the goal.  Fellow freshman Amanda Williams (Millsboro, De./Delmarva Christian) struck a header from the backside to hit the net and give EMU the lead.

The WildCats found the equalizer in the 55th minute, scoring after a through ball on the left side.  But the Royals came right back just 70 seconds later.  Martin received a long pass on the left wing from keeper Becca Borg (Gig Harbor, Wash./Peninsula), made a move around a defender and then punched a shot right over the keeper's head to make it 2-1.

With another 34 minutes still to play, EMU didn't sit back on defense but kept pushing the ball up.  The result was a 6-1 advantage in shots over the final stretch as the Royals dominated play to earn the win.

Eastern Mennonite finished with a 21-11 advantage in shots, including 12-3 over the final half.  The women also targeted 11 shots on goal compared to seven for Randolph.  Sara Shenk Moreno (Harrisonburg, Va./Harrisonburg) had a game high six attempts, while Martin put all four of her shots on goal.

Borg finished with six saves.

The Royals improve to 3-4-1 with the victory and gain their first ODAC win in the process.  They have a week off before getting what is likely their toughest game of the year, hosting conference favorite Lynchburg next Saturday afternoon at 4:30pm.

Coach Ted Erickson talks about his team's first ODAC win: