Women's Soccer Battled on Think Pink Night

NASHVILLE, Tenn.-- Belmont University Women's Soccer hosted their Think Pink night against the Valparaiso Beacons. The match resulted in a  2-1 decision in the Beacon's favor at E.S. Rose Park Thursday, October 13. 

"As Betty Wiseman said, we're playing for something bigger than ourselves. We played for all the people battling breast cancer, for all the survivors, ultimately playing to glorify God.They did just that tonight, in how they played the game, in how they respected their opponent, and truly served others."  

The Bruins brought everything they had to the pitch tonight, the energy could be felt throughout Nashville. 

Belmont went up early in the 11th minute, on a beautiful cross sent in by Freshman Shae Doherty. Maci Peckmezian composed on the ball, sent in a shot breezing past the Valparaiso goalkeeper. Pekmezian earned her third goal of the season to tie Anna Sweeney to lead the Bruins. Doherty earned her first career assist tonight. 

"Whenever you can start the game by putting the game in the back of the net, it reinforces what our game plan is working," noted Coach Henson. 

The Beacons equalized the match in the 52nd minute for Molly O'Rear's third goal of the season. In the 75th minute the Beacons went up over the Bruins on a penalty kick. Sarah Doyle was able to get a touch on it but fell just short of the save. 

Belmont did not let the score linger as they continued to dominate their offensive half of the pitch. Avery Nowak posted two shots in the last ten minutes of play. The Bruins tallied nine shots, six on goal, their most shots on goal since 3-1 victory over Murray State. Belmont outshot the Beacons 9-8. 

"We were focused on 45 minutes at a time, we clicked tonight. They did a really great job of being engaged in their role while understanding how it all links together. That's what happens in training, more people just got to see it," Coach Henson.

Doyle recorded five critical saves for a .714 save percentage. Doyle's total .865 save percentage is among the best in the country. 

"She is impactful every game, she is aggressive off her line, she can read the game really well. Her poise and confidence anchor our backline," Coach Henson on Doyle's performance. 

Women's Soccer is so grateful to everyone who has donated to their Breast Cancer awareness fundraiser already! For more information click here!

Belmont holds a 4-4-5 record moving into their match against Evansville on Sunday, October 16. The Bruins will be hosting their senior day to honor Mai Thy Nguyen, Taylor Dorenkott, and Emily Abdoney.