Winning the second half against the ODAC's second-place team is no small matter.  So even though EMU's soccer women lost 2-1 to Shenandoah Tuesday afternoon, they gained some momentum heading into the vital four-game stretch to end the regular season.

The Royals, 0-7 in the ODAC, wrap up the year with games against the bottom four teams in the conference.  Although not a lock, the women likely control their own destiny in the effort to get back to the eight-team ODAC Tournament.

The strong finish was not evident in the first half against SU.  The Hornets grabbed the opening pass and got a streaking goal from Danielle Burris just 18 seconds in.  Alysha McCleaf headed in a cross in the 24th minute to give the visitors a 2-0 lead.

Eastern Mennonite responded to SU's physical style of play and started to frustrate the Hornets in the second half.  Keeper Becca Borg (Gig Harbor, Wash./Peninsula) was whistled after a collision in the box in the 54th minute, but she made a diving stop of the resulting PK attempt to start turning the tide.

In the 69th minute, the women cut the deficit in half.  After a foul just inside of midfield, Hannah Walker (Chesapeake, Va./Grassfield) lofted the free kick to the top of the box.  Senior Morgan Hill (Martinsville, Va./Carlisle) cut through the defense to pull it in and easily beat the Hornets' keeper to score.

Borg made another save with just over a minute to play and quickly pushed the ball up.  After a couple of touches, Hill somehow sprung free with the ball and again got clear of the defense.  With only the keeper to beat, Hill's shot from inside the box bent over the crossbar, taking with it EMU's final chance at an equalizer.

Hill finished with all three of the Royals' shots.  Borg had another great effort in goal, racking up 12 saves for her eighth straight double-digit effort.

The women were also the first team over the past seven games to score against Shenandoah.  SU had six straight shut outs since a loss to Virginia Wesleyan on Sept. 26.

Due to a rescheduled game, EMU plays four times in a span of eight days to end the year.  That stretch starts with the final home game on Saturday, a date with Emory & Henry at 4:00pm.  The Senior Recognition ceremony will precede the game.

Coach Ted Erickson said he was excited to see his team win the second half: