By Zackari Ciboth
The UNC Pembroke Braves women’s soccer team took a late lead in the first half and held on with a strong defensive performance coming away with a huge 2-1 win over Conference Carolina’s foe Mount Olive Saturday afternoon at home. With the win head coach Lars Andersson picked up his 350th win of his long coaching career.
The Trojans struck first in the 16th minute of the match when Olivia Womack found Tianna Hill who placed a shot in the back of the net for the 1-0 lead. As the first half was coming to a close the Braves put on a heavy offensive attack with a goal in the 37th minute on a goal from Shakira Kafero Roberts who was assisted by Mercy Bell and Maya McDonald to tie it at 1-1.
A couple minutes later the Braves broke free down the field and a Bell to McDonald passing connection found the net as McDonald slipped it past the goalie for the 2-1 lead heading into the half. Both sides could not get anything going offensively as both goalies stepped up, but it was the Braves in the end coming away with the win.
Roberts had game and career highs in shots (9) and shots and goal (6). McDonald picked up her first UNCP goal and assist and Anna Bass in the goal tallied six saves, tying her career-high in saves for the third time this season.
UNCP will step outside Conference Carolinas play Wednesday, September 25, as they host Limestone. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. at LREMC Stadium.