Colleges: No.9 Rollins rallies for victory over Lions

Saint Leo’s womens soccer team twice took the lead, including with just over half an hour to play, but couldn’t hold off the persistent pressure from No.9 Rollins as the Tars earned a 3-2 victory at University Field on Wednesday night.

Jasmine Johnson gave the Lions the lead in the 16th minute, scoring from close range after good work by Chrissy Darwell and Pia Soessmann, who each picked up assists. But the Tars replied quickly, Rachel Jakubowski getting her side back on even terms just two minutes later.

The Tars continued to press, but it was the Lions who retook the lead the lead in the 58th minute, Hannah Beard latching on to a long ball from defender Aija Bent-Trinder before rounding Rollins goalkeeper Michelle Dillingham and putting the ball into the vacant net.

Again, though, the Tars equalized shortly after, Elise Spearing tying the game in the 65th minute. Rollins then took the lead eight minutes later, Chelsea Brady’s cross picking out forward Charlotte Murrell to head home.

The victory gives Rollins an early advantage in the race for the Sunshine State Conference regular season title. The Lions were picked as the preseason favorite to win the conference, with the Tars picked as runner-up.

Saint Leo will try to rebound against Clearwater Christian on Friday evening at 5 p.m. before it returns to SSC play against Florida Tech on October 3.