With a 2-1 double overtime win against Syracuse, the women’s soccer team (4-3-1) defeated the “Power Five” team for the second year in a row.

This is the first game the team has played since a senior night win last Saturday against Morehead State.

“After the back to back losses in North Carolina the team was really committed to training and having more intensity in training,” coach Rob Marinaro said. “These last two games have really seen that pay off.”

Defense had a strong showing for both teams in the first half. It wasn’t until the 40th minute that Kate Hostage put Syracuse on the board.

“On the road, playing a good opponent, it took us a while to figure out what we were doing offensively,” Marinaro said.

The Flashes held the Orange to the lone goal for the rest of the half, leading in shots on goal 9-5. They entered the second half energized.

“We figured out how to play in the second half to slow down their midfield,” Marinaro said. “We really committed to working hard.”

That hard work paid off for the Flashes in the 79th minute as sophomore Isabelle Mihail capitalized on an opportunity to score.

“Mihail was really really opportunistic and put pressure on them. She capitalized on a mistake they made,” Marinaro said.

Syracuse held the Flashes at 1-1 for the rest of the half, forcing the game into overtime.

“We don’t really experience a lot of overtime games,” Marinaro said. “So this was exciting in that way.”  

Kent State played a strong game in overtime, but it would take an extra overtime to decide the winner. Kent State came out strong in the second overtime, dominating the shots on goal 4-1.

“The work effort was fantastic the entire game,” Marinaro said. “Everyone really came together and showed a great amount of intensity.”

In the 103rd minute that work paid off again. Mihail scored the game winning goal with an assist from junior forward Maddie Lavigna.

“I think we had the stronger legs and were really committed to the win. Overall it was a wonderful game,” Marinaro said.

The team plays their next game at 5 p.m. on Sept. 21 at Eastern Michigan University (3-3).

Gina Butkovich is a sports reporter. Contact her at [email protected].