MIDDLETOWN, CT. -Â Â Withstanding pouring rain and lightning, the Wesleyan women's soccer team outlasted Bates College on Saturday morning at Smith Field, 3-1, after flooding the second half with three goals to clear out a NESCAC victory.
Nearing a 20-10 overall shot margin with a 10-4 on goal ratio, the Cardinals (7-1-0 overall, 3-1-0 NESCAC) kept the Bobcats (2-3-1 overall, 0-3-0 NESCAC) in their own zone for much of the first half. With credit to Bobcats goalkeeper Sydney Litney, the Cardinals were held scoreless through the first 45.
Taylor Hill '28, with two assists on the morning, led the offensive charge.
With lightning in the forecast as the halftime break was underway, the second half was continually delayed. Once game play resumed,
Romi Schreiber '28 broke the storing at minute 47. Schreiber fueled her goal back at the midfield, making the play to
Maria Utz '27 down the near side as the Cardinals rushed the goal. Schreiber snapped the ball over the line from Hill's pass behind.
Hill proved valuable on the second goal of the half, this time assisting
Kerenza Leahey '27 from the far corner. Driving the ball inside, Hill crossed to Leahey out center for a rocket of shot behind Litney. As another 20 minutes ran down from the clock, the Bobcats cut the score in half, marking the team's lone goal of the match.
 As regulation loomed, Utz struck once more for the Cardinals, scoring the final goal of the match with help from
Sheridan Snow '28. Snow's freekick fell at the feet of Utz on the line, giving Utz enough room to slip the ball to the back of the net.
In goal,
Maggie di Rienzo '29 made three saves for the Cardinals, picking up the win. Litney finished with seven stops for the Bobcats.
The Cardinals return Tuesday, Sept. 29, for a 6 p.m. start on the road at Trinity.
