Box Score JACKSONVILLE, Ala. -- A second half really fell just short for the Belmont women's soccer team (5-6-4, 2-3-2 OVC) on Sunday afternoon on the road. The Bruins were held off at Jacksonville State (9-7, 5-2 OVC), 4-2.
Belmont opened the matchup in its traditionally aggressive way, notching two shots in the first 2:45 of play. JSU answered back and went on to score its first goal at the 24:35 mark. BU did not sit back on its heels, tightening up on its defensive efforts for the remainder of the half and taking a 1-0 deficit into the break.
JSU went on to net three more goals in a 12-minute span at the start of the second half to take a commanding 4-0 lead. Down but not out, the Bruins dug in their heels and worked hard in the waning minutes. Senior Taylor Smith (Atlanta, Ga.) headed a ball from freshman Belicia Mendiola (McKinney, Texas) into the back of the net in the 60th minute to get BU on the board. Belmont continued to work but was unable to connect on several near misses. Finally, in the 86th minute, Mendiola drilled her sixth goal of the season off a corner kick to cut the Jacksonville State lead in half. However, time was not on the Bruins' side as they were held off, 4-2.
"I'm proud of the ladies and the character they showed today," said Head Coach Heather Henson. "When were down by four goals, they kept their composure and continued to play and create any goal scoring opportunities. JSU did well in their final third play. But we responded well and were in the game the whole time."
Belmont held the advantage in shots, 22-14, and corner kicks, 7-4.
Smith led in shots with a game-high seven, followed by classmate Allie Hicks (Carmel, Ind.) with four.
In goal, junior Lindsey Espe (LaCañada, Calif.) collected two saves.
Belmont returns to action on Friday, October 24 for its 2014 home finale. The Bruins host UT Martin at Rose Park beginning at 5 p.m. The matchup can be seen live on the OVC Digital Network and live stats will be available. A live, in-game Twitter feed (@BelmontWSoccer) will also be available.
