Box Score DECATUR, Ga.—A goal from Isabel Masawi (Harare, Zimbabwe) nearly inspired a two-goal Agnes Scott comeback effort, but Wesleyan College was able to fend off the rally in the 3-1 season finale. Three different Wolves scored to help improve them to 2-5 in USA South play while Agnes Scott finishes the season at 0-8.
The weather was a bit uncooperative from the start, but it did not deter either team from pressing forward to take advantage of the sloppy conditions. Each side was able to put a good shot on goal in the opening minutes, but both keepers fell on loose balls as they adjusted to the slippery grip.
Wesleyan had a bit more pace on the offensive end over the first third of the game, but sophomore goalkeeper Ashley Kopczyk (Elgin, Ill.) was ready for everything, knocking away shots from distance and point-blank range.
As the second third unfolded, Agnes Scott was able to work into space more and created its own chances in its offensive side.
However, the transition game of the Wolves was a dangerous presence for much of the game. The Scotties had rebuffed the visitor's fast-break game early by catching the Wolves offside, but the pressure finally paid off in the 38th minute. Talented midfielder Alyssa Key corralled a long clear off of a corner kick, worked into space in the center of the field, and unleashed a low line drive from 30 yards out. The ball bounded off the ground twice and slide past a diving Kopczyk into the lower-left corner for the go-ahead goal.
Wesleyan held onto a 1-0 lead despite an 18-3 shot advantage over the first 45 minutes of play.
The Wolves struck again right out of the intermission, as Lesley Godoy got into the action. Key found Godoy with a ball over the top, allowing Godoy to run onto it and turn toward the right side. The Wesleyan first-year was able to turn back to goal and slide a shot with her right foot into the left side of the frame for a 2-0 lead.
Agnes Scott became more aggressive after falling behind by two, seeing an increase in dangerous chances right off the following kick-off. The Scotties seemingly became more confident with each wave of opportunity before Masawi struck gold in the 71st minute.
Rayah Wilson (Atlanta, Ga.) pressured the Wolves defense down the right side and sent an interior pass into the 18-yard box. The two sides fought over possession before Nemain Morgan-Curtis (Nashville, Tenn.) was able to get just enough of a foot on a flick to the feet of Masawi in the center of the field. The tall first-year midfielder settled the pass and took a look up before blasting a shot over the outstretched arm of the Wesleyan keeper into the silky twine in the top left corner.
Masawi's strike broke an eight-game scoreless drought for the Scotties and jolted a celebration from the home side.
With renewed vigor, Agnes Scott continued to break down the Wolves defense with the speedy Wilson on the right side of the field. The Scottie first-year had two key chances to knot the game at two, including one inside the six-yard box, but Wolves defenders were able to knock the shots away from danger each time.
A final push on the offensive end left the Scotties vulnerable on the other end and the Wolves were able to take advantage with a breakaway goal in the final three minutes to stop the rally.
