After coming off of a win against the Golden Tornadoes of Geneva College on Sept. 5, the Allegheny women’s soccer team was ready to take on the Case Western Reserve University Spartans during their fourth game of the season.

Although the Gators were defeated 2-1 in overtime on their home field, they held their ground throughout the first half. The Gators exhibited strong offensive capability with seven shots on goal during the opening half of the game.

“Ultimately, the result of our game did not reflect the efforts of our team,” said midfielder Bella Martinez, ’19. “We should take this loss, grow from it and be ready for our next game.”

During the second half, Martinez assisted center midfielder Sarah Sherwood, ’18, with  10 minutes left in regulation, making it the only Gator goal of the game. Sherwood’s goal brought the two teams out of regulation and into overtime.

As it is only the very start to their season, the Gators have been adjusting to their young team with the addition of 12 freshmen, according to Martinez.

“I thought it was our best played game this year. We showed some fight which is promising,” said midfielder Taylor Renk, ’20.

Although Renk couldn’t find the back of the net, she lead the team in the offensive end with five shots. Collectively, the Gators tallied a total of 17 shots from eight different players.

Outside fullback Bryanna Urso, ’21, also helped hold down the fort for the Gators, redirecting much of Case Western’s advances back towards midfield for the majority of the game.

Urso was disappointed with the team’s loss.

“I think we played an even match but got unlucky at the end,” Urso said.

The Gators held their composure throughout the game, demonstrated a collective, strong work ethic and managed to connect plays offensively that they had developed in previous matches this season.

With senses of optimism and a desire for another win, the women’s soccer team anticipates to change their level of play and to leave this loss in past.

To move forward with their season, the Gators will be back at their home facilities at the Robertson Athletic Complex on Saturday, Sept. 23, at noon to start their North Coast Athletic Conference play against the Denison University Big Red.