Following the induction of the inaugural Hall of Honor class for Lancaster Bible College Athletics, the Lancaster Bible women's soccer team would kick off against a tough conference matchup against the Seahawks of St. Mary's College of Maryland. Looking to redeem the first matchup between both programs with a 1-0 loss in 2021, a late goal in the 83^rd minute of the game would give the Seahawks the edge in what would be a hard-fought battle in front of a packed Charger crowd. The loss puts the Chargers to 3-4 overall and 0-3 in United East play. St. Mary's improves to 4-3-4 overall and 3-0 in conference.
 
How It Happened: The Seahawks would be the first to find the scoreboard on the day, placing two shots on goal before a save from Erin Mikula would be rebounded by St. Mary's Lauren Baker and put into the back of the net at 19:24. The Charger defense would continue to be put to the test by the quick attacking St. Mary's offense, but would prove to be up to the challenge sending ball after ball back to midfield. The Charger offense would also see a few opportunities in the first half but wouldn't be able to capitalize sending both teams to halftime with Seahawks having a 1-0 advantage.
 
With urgency on their mind, the Chargers would strike quickly with a goal from junior Rachel Dickinson on an assist from Janae Bergey who would send the ball into the box form midfield. The ball would end up sailing over a Seahawks defender's head and into the feet of Dickinson would would place it into the left side of the goal. The crowd would erupt and the energy would be back.
 
Now tied at 1-1, the offense of both programs would try whatever they could to see if they could find an opening but neither defense would present an opportunity as they smothered any chance of a clear shot. It was an equal match and one that felt like it was headed towards a tie, but in the 83^rd minute Raines of St. Mary's would find just a moment of space about 30 yards out and place it into the net. A goal that no one quite saw coming, the Chargers would find themselves down with just seven minutes into the game. As the clock seemed to tick faster than before, the Chargers wouldn't be able to break through the St. Mary's defense one last time and the clock would eventually reach the 90^th minute giving the Seahawks a 2-1 win.
 
Despite the loss, the team would respond with resilience following a difficult loss just a few days before. There would be a different edge which could be observed from the stands. As they look to build momentum, the Chargers will make another conference push next weekend against a familiar foe in SUNY Morrisville.
 
From the Coach: "I thought we put everything into the game today. Disappointing because we didn't deserve to lose. But I couldn't be prouder of how the girls approached the game and responded to a tough week." – Head Coach Jake Warren
 
By the Numbers: St. Mary's held the edge in shots with nine total and seven on goal, LBC had seven total and five on goal… Seahawks would have four saves and Chargers five… the corner kick battle would fall to St. Mary's 6-4.
 
Up Next: The Chargers will host Cabrini this Tuesday, September 27^th at 4:30 p.m. at the Donald H. Funk Field.