CARLISLE, Pa. — The Haverford College women's soccer team (4-6-3, 2-4-0 CC) fell to Centennial Conference foe Dickinson (8-2-3, 4-0-1 CC) by a 2-1 score in Centennial Conference play on Saturday afternoon at Miller Memorial Field. The Red Devils struck twice in the first half and held off a determined Haverford side that battled back with a goal before halftime.
Dickinson controlled the early stages of the match, forcing Haverford goalkeeper Lily Buyer into several key saves, including stops on Isabelle Bariso and Catherine Fleck. The hosts broke through in the 23rd minute when Bridget Merkel found the back of the net with a right-footed shot tucked inside the near post. Just six minutes later, Joelle Ma doubled the lead for the Red Devils, converting a penalty kick in the 29th minute.
The Fords responded with a moment of brilliance in the 34th minute. After Emma Kirk's driven free kick created chaos inside the box, Abigale Baker pounced on the loose ball and volleyed it into the back post to cut the deficit to 2-1 heading into halftime.
In a tense second half, both sides created chances but neither could alter the scoreline. Haverford nearly found an equalizer in the 69th minute after a foul on Sophia Terry set up a dangerous free kick from Kirk, but her attempt narrowly sailed over the bar. Goalkeeper Allie Billups came up big for the Fords in the second half, making key saves on efforts from Anna Bitsko and Merkel to keep the visitors within striking distance. The Red Devils defense denied any possible late chance by Haverford in the final minutes, locking up the 2-1 victory.
Baker scored once on her lone shot of the day, while Buyer tallied four saves in the first half and Billups added three in the second, combining to face 16 total shots.
For Dickinson, Ma provided the game-winning goal from the penalty spot, while Merkel added a goal and two shots on target. Goalkeeper Pico Gray recorded one save, conceding just once to secure the victory. Bitsko also contributed offensively with three shots, including two on frame.
The Fords will continue their Centennial Conference slate on the road against Muhlenberg in Allentown, Pa., on Wednesday, October 15. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
