Late Goal Lifts Lions to Victory

MARS HILL, N.C.-- Abby Spitler's goal in the 76th-minute broke a two-all tie and lifted Mars Hill to a 3-2 victory over Bluefield College at Meares Stadium Saturday afternoon. The Lions improved to 3-1-0 with the victory, while Bluefield fell to 2-2.

Spitler's first goal as a Lion proved to be the game-winner, and capped a day in which the freshman also added an assist. Grace Lancaster and Catherine Watkins-Banks added goals for Mars Hill. The Lions outshot the Rams 19-12 on the afternoon.

Pip Pattison put the Rams on the board first, scoring at the 23:20 mark on a cross from Callan Carmin. Lancaster tied the match for the Lions in the 35th-minute off a corner kick. Alyssa Morris passed the corner kick into the box, which Spitler corralled and played through traffic to Lancaster for the goal. The teams carried that score into the intermission.

Watkins-Banks gave Mars Hill the lead on a shot from about 30-yards out to give the Lions a 2-1 advantage. Danielle Franco played a pass to Watkins-Banks, who turned and ripped the shot into the corner for her first goal of the season. Ashley Moreno tied the contest in the 69th-minute off a rebound.

Spitler's goal came at the 76:35 mark off a rebound. Hannah Russell put a shot on goal from the wing and Spitler swooped in to punch in the rebound and give Mars Hill the win.

The Lions will play at Lander University on Sept. 12. Game time is set for 7 p.m.