SAN ANTONIO, Texas – After falling behind in the opening period, the University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team scored two goals in the second to pick up a come from behind Southland Conference-victory against Southeastern Louisiana, 2-1, on Friday night at Benson Stadium.
 
The win marked the first league victory for the Cardinals (2-5-1, 1-1 SLC) and the first Southland defeat for the Lions (4-5-1, 1-1 SLC).
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The game got off to a slow start, with no shots taken until the 15th minute. The first shot of the night came at the 30:30 mark, when Abigail Koenigs sent a pass from the 40 yard line and found forward Karey Tylman (San Antonio, Alamo Heights HS). Tylman fired a shot, but it went directly into the hands of the Southeastern La. goalkeeper. 
 
Towards the end of the first half, SLU broke the stalemate and took the lead. The Lions dribbled the ball towards UIW goalkeeper, Sydney Huntsinger (New Braunfels, TX, Canyon HS), who came out of the box to clear the ball. Huntsinger's kick deflected off of a Lion player and Payton Colson scored on the rebound with Hunstinger still out of the box. 
 
In the 54th minute, a yellow card was handed to visitor Christina Cutura. Sam Batley was true on her penalty kick, tying the game at one goal apiece. 
 
Four minutes later, Brooke Hanson (New Braunfels, TX, New Braunfels HS) took a shot but hit the crossbar. The ball was deflected off the post to Batley, who fired a shot into the goal for her second score of the game and season.
 
Goalkeeper Haley Nelson (Sioux City, IA, Bishop Heelan Catholic HS) played the entire second half and made four saves to preserve the Cardinal lead.
 
QUOTES
 
SAM BATLEY ON SCORING HER FIRST TWO GOALS OF THE YEAR
 
"Of course I'm happy to score the goals, but I'm definitely happier that this is the first time that we really played well as a team and fought for each other. We really really wanted it and I think it showed tonight. I'm proud of everyone. I'm proud of my teammates, my coaches and myself. I couldn't be happier right now."
 
SAM BATLEY ON HER SECOND GOAL OF THE GAME
 
"I was just thinking that I have to be there for my teammate. She shot the ball and hit the crossbar and it's my job to get the deflection, because I know she would have done the same thing for me."
 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals will look to ride their momentum into Sunday as they host Nicholls State University at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Benson Stadium.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Incarnate Word Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow Incarnate Word Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like Incarnate Word Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.