ANGOLA, Ind. – What looked as if it would be a tight game in the first half, the Kalamazoo College women's soccer team put that thought to rest as the Hornets cruised to a 5-2 win over Trine University courtesy of four unanswered goals after trailing 2-1.
"I was proud of our persistence today," head coach Bryan Goyings said. "We've had several tough games this week and I think it was reflected in our inexact execution in the first half."
Rosella LoChirco struck early for Kalamazoo in the 7th minute of play on an assist from Suzanne Miller and helped get the Hornets off on the right foot. The goal was LoChirco's first of her collegiate career.
Trine didn't shy away from the early deficit, though, scoring back-to-back goals in the 18th and 29th minutes to take a 2-1 lead.
The Thunder's lead didn't last long as Kalamazoo countered in the 40th minute when Julie Zabik leveled the score at 2-2. It was the freshman's third goal of the season.
Four minutes later, Paige Sambor scored her first goal of the year and the goal that ultimately ended up being the game-winner on an assist from Libby Munoz.
"After going down a goal I was proud with how we responded," Goyings said. "Julie had an excellent strike to tie the game and Paige had an exceptional game so it was great to see her get on the scoresheet as well."
Kalamazoo tacked on insurance goals late courtesy of Munoz and Sarah George in the 79th and 88th minutes, respectively. Madeleine Chilcote and Zabik recorded assists on the goals.
The Hornets carried play throughout despite trailing for a period of time in the first half as they outshot the Thunder 33-5. K had 15 corners while Trine had zero.
Kalamazoo improves to 1-0-1 in the MIAA with the win. The team will head back home for a pair of games during the week beginning with a Monday match against St. Mary's.