LYNCHBURG, Va.- The Randolph women's soccer team had its home opener on Tuesday evening as they hosted Mary Baldwin at WildCat Stadium. The Fighting Squirrels led late into the second half but the WildCats got the equalizer with under seven minutes to play as the teams played to a 1-1 tie.
It was a tale of two halves. It was Mary Baldwin in the first half as they led in total shots 3-1. It was the team's third shot of the period that put them ahead. Queierra Hawkins tapped a pass to Teya Baptista who took one touch toward the right corner of the post that redirected to the left side and in to put the visitors ahead 1-0 in the 28th minute.
 Randolph was kept off balance by the Fighting Squirrels defense. Two chances in the 37th minute by the 'Cats were called back because of offside calls.
The second half was quite the opposite as Randolph led 9-2 in total shots as it looked to get back into the contest. The WildCats were able to defend four corner kicks by Mary Baldwin early on in the frame. Shots by Sterlyn Woodward (Madison, Va./Madison County) and Ella Myers (Cross Junction, Va./James Woods) both went high of the crossbar while Joanne Torres' (North Chesterfield, Va./Meadowbrook) attempt was out to the left.
The WildCats had three consecutive corner kicks but could not find a connection. On a free kick, Woodward took the offering but was called offside in the 83rd minute. Finally in the 84th minute after a WildCat throw in, Bo Knight (Big Island, Va./Jefferson Forest) sent a pass in to Woodward which deflected past Myers and back to Knight who passed to Riley Carl (Suffolk, Va./Homeschool). Carl took one touch and sent a long ball into the right corner of the goal and past the outstretched arms of Fighting Squirrels keeper Nyasia Hawkins and in to tie the game up.
Randolph had a couple of changes to potentially win the game. Myers took a shot that went just inches over the crossbar in the 87th minute. Woodward had a shot that went just wide of the left post.
Randolph doubled up Mary Baldwin on total shots 10-5. Both teams registered four shots on frame
Alexis Bossi (Falls Church, Va./Justice) had three saves in goal for Randolph. Hawkins also had three saves for Mary Baldwin.
Randolph travels to Winston-Salem. N.C. on Saturday to face Carolina University. Game time will be at 6:00 p.m.
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