THOMASVILLE, Ga. — The Life University women's soccer team won its first Southern States game of the season Wednesday afternoon in a 5-2 win over Thomas University. In the lightning delay riddled contest, Sacha Milward scored a pair of goals in the contest, including the game-winning goal in the 58th minute.
Jeanne Brigand also scored in the contest, her first two of the season. Sophomore Marey Helgadottir tabbed three assists while Dana Billington and Odalis Tapia assisted the other two.
Life U (6-1, 1-0 SSAC) fell behind early as the Nighthawks opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a quick and goal. Jeanne Brigand then tied the contest back at one apiece in the 26th minute as Helgadottir pulled the ball back into the 6-yard box for a Jeanne Brigand strike into the back of the net, 1-1.
The two teams then battled through a first half draw despite the Running Eagles holding a favorable 9-5 shot advantage.
After the half, the Running Eagles continued the offensive push for a goal netting their go-ahead goal in the 55th minute from Millward. The hard-fought goal and lead was short-lived as the Nighthawks quickly transitioned to strike another goal bringing the game to a 2-2 draw.
The draw was quickly turned around by the Running Eagles with a cross from Helgadottir to find the foot of Millward to place the ball in the back of the net.
A few minutes later, the game was put on a pause because of a lightning delay. Both teams would then return to the field with 30 minutes left on the clock. Brigand found the ball again four minutes after the delay to give Life U the 4-2 lead.
The Running Eagles were not done just yet, as Phoenix Parks was able to put one last goal past the Nighthawks goalie in the 81st minute to give Life U the 5-2 win.
The Running Eagles will travel down to south Georgia on Saturday September 21 at 2 p.m. to take on Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in their first season as part of SSAC.
