MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Lady Wildcats turned in a gritty performance Thursday, battling No. 12 Lindsey Wilson for the full 90 minutes before falling 2-1 at Walter Butler Stadium.
Bethel struck first in the 16th minute when Jacqueline Carbajal found the back of the net for her first goal of the season. Luiza Kilmeyers Rodrigues also placed a shot on goal during the sequence as the Lady Wildcats carried a 1-0 advantage into halftime.
Lindsey Wilson drew even just 1:46 into the second half. Julia Marcolongo scored off an assist from Mercy Kinuthia to make it 1-1.
The Lady Wildcats continued to withstand heavy pressure from the Blue Raiders behind an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Lola Guerin. Guerin recorded 15 saves, including 10 during the second half. Iness Brocaille added a defensive save in the closing seconds.
The match remained tied until the 86th minute, when Eva Cova scored the eventual game-winner for Lindsey Wilson.
The Blue Raiders finished with a 30-2 advantage in shots and an 18-2 edge in shots on goal. Lindsey Wilson also held a 13-0 advantage in corner kicks, but Bethel's determined defensive effort kept the Lady Wildcats within striking distance throughout the contest.
Carbajal and Kilmeyers Rodrigues accounted for Bethel's two shots, with both attempts on goal.
The Lady Wildcats fell to 0-5-1 overall and 0-2 in Mid-South Conference play, while Lindsey Wilson improved to 4-1-1 overall and 2-0 in conference action.