CARY, N.C. - The William Peace women's soccer team picked up its first USA South win of the season Friday evening, defeating Methodist University 2-1 at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Pacers improve to 5-6-2 overall and 1-4 in conference play.
Methodist (4-6-2, 1-4-2 USA South) opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Lillian Pressler found the back of the net to give the Monarchs a 1-0 lead. Peace recorded two shots on goal in the first half, with Kerlyn Navarrete Trejos and Addison Tulowitzki each forcing saves from Methodist goalkeeper Kiera Ferguson.
The Pacers tied the match in the 58th minute when Savanna Berckmiller scored off a breakaway assist from Navarrete Trejos. Berckmiller nearly added another three minutes later, but Ferguson made the save to keep the match tied at 1-1.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, Berckmiller scored her second goal of the night in the 81st minute off a free kick from Navarrete Trejos just outside the 18, giving Peace its first lead of the match.
Methodist recorded several late shots, but Courtney Dugan and the Pacer defense held the Monarchs scoreless for the remainder of the match to secure the 2-1 victory.
Berckmiller finished with two goals on three shots, while Navarrete Trejos recorded assists on both goals. Dugan made 16 saves in 89 minutes of action, while freshman Gabby Torri added one save in the final minute after Dugan had to come off due to injury. The Pacers combined for 17 saves as Methodist finished with 33 shots, including 18 on goal.
The Pacers head back on the road next week for two USA South makeup matchups, beginning Monday, Oct. 19, at Brevard College at 1 p.m. Peace will then travel to Mary Baldwin University on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. before returning home Saturday, Oct. 24, to host Salem College for Senior Day at 2 p.m.
