Bluefield, WV – The Bluefield Rams women's soccer team celebrated a momentous victory, defeating St. Andrews University 1-0 in the final 20 minutes of the match. This win marks the Rams' first regular season conference victory over St. Andrews, making it a memorable occasion.
The match began as a fiercely contested battle, with both teams exchanging possession. The Rams showcased their offensive strength, out shooting the Knights in the first half. Annalee Woodson, Macy McBride, and Kaylei Newman each came close to scoring with impressive shots, but the Rams were unable to find the back of the net. Defensively, Bluefield was solid, allowing only one shot from the Knights in the first half.
As the second half unfolded, the momentum shifted. The Rams emerged with renewed energy and determination, creating a sense that it was only a matter of time before they would score. Moriah Mingo had a near miss, sending a shot just wide to the right. However, the Rams continued to apply pressure, and their persistence paid off.
In a crucial moment, Macy McBride drove the ball up-field and found herself in a crowded area with her teammates. The ball became loose, and it was Taylor-Inocelda Bihag who seized the opportunity, finding the goal and securing the lead for the Rams with 20 minutes remaining.
With the clock ticking down, the Rams maintained their intensity, limiting the Knights to zero shots on goal in the second half. A late corner kick from St. Andrews posed a potential threat, but the Rams' defense handled it with ease, ensuring their clean sheet.
Head Coach Patrick Ritter praised the team's performance: "This was a great overall performance by all the players, and we had great energy from the bench throughout! The defense had a strong performance today, limiting them to just one good shot opportunity. They also came through offensively with our game-winning goal coming out of the back from Taylor, her first of her career. With this win, we are back in the playoff picture with four games to go, and we hope to carry the momentum into senior day on Saturday!"
The Rams will look to build on this victory as they host Brenau University for senior day this Saturday at 3 PM.
