Chilly winds crept along Al Barbour Field as the lights shined on the Eagle’s seven seniors for the last time. One senior, Kahlie Reinecke, helped Biola score the first goal to take the lead. However, the No. 6 Lions of Vanguard University forced the game into double overtime which ended in a 1-1 tie.
“It was really exciting to get a goal this season,” said Reinecke about her first goal of the season. “Although we still have one game left, it was a good way to end our season at home.”
On Tuesday, the women’s soccer team fought hard and long against GSAC’s top contender. The first half was evenly matched up as the Eagles got their first shot off in the 9th minute. Unfortunately, it was stopped by Lions’ goalkeeper, senior Jillian Foss.
Vanguard came back with four missed shot attempts and fired two shots that were saved by Eagles’ goalkeeper sophomore Erin Frushon. Frushon’s two saves were her fifty-second and fifty third save of the season. However, the Lion’s did not stop there but continued an offensive push into the next half.
The Eagles matched their four shots in the first 45 minutes of play with four more in the second. Even though the Eagles were out shot by their opponent 13 to 8, Reinecke’s quality shot in the 75th minute of play was all that was needed to keep her team from giving up.
“Kahlie’s goal was brilliant, and it was a beautiful finish to a great cross in the box,” said junior Zoe Zappas. “She has great timing with the soccer balls coming in the air, so I am not surprise that she nailed this one.”
As the Eagles took the lead 1-0, Vanguard stepped up and fired back minutes later with a corner kick by freshman Amanda Couch that curled right into the net. The stunned crowd peered on in the last 10 minutes of the game, but the Lions last two shot attempts were off target.
The Lion’s momentum carried on into overtime, but they failed to get the ball in for the win. The game went into its second overtime and again both teams equally tired could not score. The game ended in a 1-1 tie putting the women’s soccer record at 2-6-1 in GSAC and 6-6-2 overall.
“We played well and it was disappointing to tie, but we fought hard the entire game,” said Eagle junior Caitlin Peterson.
Biola received its sixth GSAC lost on the road last Saturday against Point Loma Nazarene by a score of 1-0. The game was a back and forth battle in which both teams combined for 11 shots in the first half. However, the second half was totally unbalanced as Point Loma stole the victory in the 77th minute.
Biola only had one shot attempt as Point Loma’s defense was strong all the way to the end. The Eagles remain 0-5-0 when held scoreless and remain winless on away games.
The Eagles close out the regular season this Saturday traveling up to Santa Clarita to play The Master’s College in another GSAC match beginning at Noon. They hope to gain their first win on the road.
