Lincoln, NE - Nebraska Wesleyan scored twice in the second half to overcome an early deficit and defeat Coe College, 2-1, Wednesday evening at Abel Stadium.
The Kohawks grabbed the lead in the 25th minute when Katie Lindsay converted a free kick from more than 35 yards away. The service sailed over Prairie Wolf goalkeeper
Amber Pyle and into the back of the net, giving Coe a 1-0 advantage.
Despite trailing at halftime, Nebraska Wesleyan continued to create scoring opportunities and controlled much of the attacking play. The Prairie Wolves finished the match with a 20-15 advantage in shots and placed 11 attempts on goal.
Nebraska Wesleyan leveled the match in the 53rd minute on a set-piece opportunity of its own. From roughly 40 yards out,
Averie Hike sent a dangerous free kick into the box, where
Nella Castaneda got a touch and redirected the ball into the net to make it 1-1.
The Prairie Wolves found the winner just under nine minutes later. Hike delivered another dangerous free kick from approximately 35 yards out, and when the ball spilled free in the box,
Emily Abeyta capitalized on the loose ball to put the Prairie Wolves in front. The goal proved to be the game-winner.
Hike led Nebraska Wesleyan's attack with six shots, all of which were on target, while Castaneda and Abeyta each found the back of the net.
Amber Pyle recorded seven saves in goal to earn the victory.
Coe continued to push forward in search of an equalizer, but the Prairie Wolves held firm defensively over the final 29 minutes to secure their first conference victory of the season.
The Prairie Wolves return to Abel Stadium on Saturday for a 5 p.m. conference matchup against Wartburg College as part of Wesleyan Weekend.
