Eagles Dominate Second Half in Triumph Over Warriors

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – A second-half explosion of four goals propelled the Reinhardt Eagles back to .500 on the season after a re-energized bunch overwhelmed Rochester (Mich.), 5-1, on the home turf of Cumberlands (Ky.).
 
Reinhardt (2-2) combined to outshoot the Warriors, 31-8, in the victory after a 1-1 halftime score was blown open by the Eagles after 45 minutes of play.
 
"Played a slow first half and were tied at one," head coach Andy Kaplan said. "At halftime, we discussed that our season was at a crossroads. The girls responded with their best half of soccer of the year where everyone on the team played and made a positive contribution."
 
Adriana Garcia scored the first of her two goals to open the scoring in the 18^th minute, about 22 minutes before Rochester got on the board to tie things up heading into the locker room.
 
The Eagles would pounce on their opposition with two quick strikes from Adrien Merrilles (54:06) and Garcia four minutes later (58:47) for a 3-1 advantage. The lead would continue to grow for the hometown team as the duo Mary Kate Williamson and Kirsten Gray would earn their own tallies at the 71^st and 85^th minutes, respectively.
 
The defense put together a strong performance to hold down the Warriors and allow minimal scoring opportunities. Caroline Johnson continues to be comfortable in the net with one save in the victory.
 
Nine days stands between Reinhardt and a visit to No. 8 Georgia Gwinnett under the lights on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.
 
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