MCKENZIE, Tenn. - Bethel University Women's Soccer Coach Misty Aird was in a terrible car accident in early April of this year. After several surgeries, months of rehab and hard work she was back with her Lady Wildcats as they opened their season Tuesday at Wildcat Stadium in McKenzie hosting the Lynx of Lindenwood University-Belleville. It was fitting the Lady Cats handed their coach an emotional 2-1 overtime victory.
The Lynx jumped out to a 1-0 lead seven minutes into the contest on a goal by LUB's Juliana Stratford. The score held up with the Lynx leading at the break 1-0. Bethel had five shots in the half with two on goal. Lindenwood recorded two shots with one on goal.
Both teams played hard defensively with both squads held at bay offensively in the second half. That until the Lady Cats found some late magic with just under three minutes left in regulation as Jodi Butler scored on a rebound to tie the match at 1-1 sending the affair into overtime.
At the 6:32 mark of the extra period Janine Dennis drilled a penalty kick into the upper left hand corner for the Bethel win.
Bethel finished with 10 shots and five on goal. LUB finished with four shots and two on goal. Bethel's Holly Wright had one save in the contest.
Coach Aird commented on the win. "I am so proud of these ladies. They fought so hard and would not be denied. It will be a win I will forever hold in my heart."
Bethel returns to action Saturday visiting Bryan College for a 4:30 match against the Lions.
Congratulations to Coach Aird and the Lady Cats on the win. It was Coach Aird's 201st career victory.
