FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTEVALLO – The University of Montevallo women’s soccer team dropped a nail biter in the final minutes against Valdosta State University 3-1 in a non-conference match Sept. 23 at Varsity Field.

The Falcons had an opportunity to net the equalizer in the final minutes, but a penalty kick by senior Nicola Stolworthy bounced off the left post to keep the Falcons from tying the match. Valdosta State added a late goal with 25 seconds remaining to clinch the match.

The Blazers took a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute of the contest following a header by Emily Cooper off a corner kick by Arielle Sabina. A defensive battle ensued before Valdosta State pushed its lead to 2-0 following a goal by Kim Caitlin Alderman off an assist by Rebecca Miller in the 84^th minute of the match.

The Falcons (4-3-1) cut the deficit to 2-1 just more than three minutes later when sophomore Nicole Johnston beat the Valdosta State goalkeeper to the far post off an assist from freshman Jade Pennock in the 87^th minute.

A foul in front of the Valdosta State net with 1:09 remaining gave Stolworthy one last chance to tie the match at 2-2 on a penalty-kick opportunity, but Stolworthy’s shot to the left side just missed the net by a couple of inches.

Montevallo junior goalkeeper Kaitlin Thomas finished with two saves in the match.

The Falcons return to action Sept. 26 with a match on the road at Peach Belt Conference foe Clayton State University.