Duluth, MN. - The St. Scholastica Women's Soccer team concluded their only game of the weekend today, Saturday, September 21. The Saints held an early lead, but the Royals ran away with it in the second half, they took the win 4-1. 

Goalkeeper Gracie Meagher (Cloquet, Minn./Cloquet HS) made a total of nine saves on the day. The lone goal by the Saints came from Abigail Shrode (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton HS) just 10 minutes into play. 

How it Happened

1st Half

The half's opening moments were intense, with both teams communicating to the fullest extent. It was hard to tell which team had the upper hand. The first shot came from the royals at the three-minute mark but was missed high. 

The scoring opportunities were running wild for both teams despite not having much contact with the net. The Saints were grinding in the offensive end, as the Royals fouled, the Saints received a freekick. With this freekick, Abigail Shrode (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton HS) found the back of the net at 10:58. The Saints led 1-0 early on. 

The Royals attempted to rally back with two quick shots following the goal. Goalkeeper Gracie Meagher (Cloquet, Minn./Cloquet HS) made a diving save to prevent the Royals from tying it up. 

At the 18-minute mark, the Saints already had five shot attempts; this kept the game mainly in the Royals' defensive zone. 

As the clock clicked down, the Royals tried to take the momentum back, and after multiple off-target shots, they tied the game up 1-1 at 40:35 off of a flukey goal. 

The first half ended in a 1-1 tie with a late goal from the Royals. 

2nd Half

A slow start to the second half resulted in ongoing neutral zone play. A rough battle in front of the Royals net resulted in the need for a goalkeeper switch. The Saints still got a shot off. 

The Royals were dedicated to taking the lead, as they scored their second goal of the game at 53:29 after a scramble in front of the net. Royals led 2-1. 

Bethel kept control of the ball following their goal; they took four shots in the next five minutes. 

The Saints were doing their best to regain control, as Mariah Hernesmen took a massive shot, dead center, but the Royals goalkeeper denied the shot. 

Possession switched back in favor of the Royal, who took six more shot attempts quickly. And at 76:46, the Royals found the back of the net once again, they led 3-1. 

With single digits left on the clock, the Royals were not done yet, they scored another goal at 84:41, the perfectly placed goal was nearly impossible to stop. The clock wound down and the Royals took the win 4-1. 

Up Next 

The Saints will return to Kenny Harkins Field on Saturday, September 28 at 1 p.m. against MIAC competitor St. Olaf College.