Box Score JACKSONVILLE, Ala. - Behind two goals in the final 16 minutes of play, the Belmont University women's soccer team grabbed a come-from-behind win over Jacksonville State 2-1 in overtime at the JSU Soccer Complex on Tuesday.
Graduate transfer Keely Cartrett scored the game-winning golden goal three minutes into overtime, scoring off a free kick assist from junior Rachel Vernon.
Sophomore goalkeeper Sarah Doyle collected nine saves in her first career start in the net. With the overtime win, Belmont has now won or tied 11 of its last 13 matches dating back to last season.
"After the ball went in, I was like, 'wait the ball went in.' Then I was like, 'wait I scored!' It was so much at once," Cartrett said. "We played a really good game and I'm just really excited that we were able to come out with the win. It was really exciting."
Belmont looked to draw first blood at the 14 minute mark, forcing the Jacksonville State goalkeeper to come out of the goalie box and leaving the net open. The Bruins, however, missed the shot wide and kept the match scoreless.
The Gamecocks tallied four consecutive shots off three corner kicks to close the first period, with Doyle coming up with two saves in the process. Belmont registered a shot at the 24 minute mark, but the Jacksonville State defense prevented the Bruins from any further offensive opportunity in the final 21 minutes of the period.
"Jacksonville State stayed compact on defense, which made it hard for us to get into our attacking rhythm," sophomore midfielder Avery Nowak said. "They were very good at pressing high up the field."
Scoring the game's first goal 11 minutes into the second period, Jacksonville State held a one-goal lead with 13 minutes left to play. Feeding off sophomore Taylor Dorenkott's first career assist, Nowak tapped in the tying goal at the 77 minute mark and eventually forced overtime.
The goal was Nowak's second career score, with her last one coming on Nov. 3, 2019 in the OVC Quarterfinals at UT Martin.
"Scoring that goal was so amazing," Nowak said. "It felt like all of our hard work and training during the offseason were paying off. I was so happy to be able to get us back in the game and I think it helped create a positive wave of energy throughout the whole team that allowed us to get back into our style of play."
Drawing a foul three minutes into overtime, the Bruins capitalized off the opportunity. Vernon floated the free kick in the direction of the goal, catching the foot of Cartrett, who knocked it in for the golden goal game winner.
The goal was Cartrett's first collegiate goal since Sept. 22, 2016, when she scored in a match at Arkansas.
"I am so proud of all of the ladies," head coach Heather Henson said. "Everyone of them had an important role and they executed it with so much energy and passion. This team shows the faith they have for each other and God each day and this was a day for our fans to see it again. We are so blessed to be back on the field of competition and we enjoyed every moment today."
Belmont (1-0) returns to action on Friday for its home opener at Rose Park, taking on UT Martin at 6:30 p.m.
