The No. 20 Snow College women's soccer team battled to a 1-1 draw against No. 4 Salt Lake Community College Thursday before defeating No. 19 Utah State University Eastern 2-1 Saturday. With the results, the Badgers improve to 2-2-1 overall and 2-0-1 in Scenic West Athletic Conference play.
The Badgers opened the weekend with a highly contested matchup against the No. 4 Bruins, holding their own.
Snow College recorded six shots, including three on goal, while SLCC finished with eight shots and three on goal. The Badgers also earned seven corner kicks but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the opening 45 minutes, sending the match into halftime scoreless. The Bruins broke through just 1:45 into the second half, taking a 1-0 lead.
Snow College responded in the 67th minute when outside back Kalle Jackson found the back of the net on a long-range shot, equalizing the match at 1-1. Neither team scored over the remaining minutes and the 1-1 result held after 90 minutes.
Snow College returned to action Saturday against the No. 19 Eagles. The Badgers came out aggressively, recording two shots on goal within the opening five minutes. Both teams created quality opportunities before Snow College broke through in the 40th minute when Jolee Irvin finished a cross from Lydia Neville, giving the Badgers a 1-0 lead.
USUE responded just before halftime, scoring with less than 30 seconds remaining in the opening half to even the match at 1-1.
The Eagles outshot the Badgers in the second half, but Snow College capitalized on an opportunity in the 66th minute. Following a corner kick from Kalle Jackson, the ball pinged around inside the box before Hallie Hansen found the back of the net to put the Badgers ahead 2-1. The goal marked Hansen's fourth of the season.
USUE continued to pressure the Badgers late in the match, but Snow College held its ground defensively to secure the 2-1 victory. Kanani Haunga nearly added another goal with a header attempt late in the match, but the shot sailed high.
The Badgers will travel to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Thursday, to face North Idaho College at 2 p.m. before facing Pacific Northwest Christian College Saturday, at 12 p.m. in Kennewick, Washington. For video streaming and live stats information, visit snowbadgers.com.
