BELOIT, Wis. - The Webster University women's soccer team opened the 2024 season on the road visiting Beloit College Saturday afternoon. The Gorloks eliminated a halftime deficit by scoring three goals in the second half to defeat the Buccaneers by the final score of 4-3. 

The reigning 2023 SLIAC Offensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-Conference selection in Grace Rodgers led the second half surge with two goals that were roughly six minutes apart at the minute markers of 72:50 and 78:35.       

In the early minutes of action, the reigning 2023 SLIAC Newcomer of the Year and Second-Team All-Conference honoree Malaya Blakely and First-Team All-conference selection Mya Stegen both blasted shots on net. In the 14th minute, the Gorloks were awarded a corner kick when Rodgers sent in a beautiful cross that found Isabella Dickneite for the goal for the early 1-0 lead as Rodgers was credited with the assist on the play. 

Following the goal, Webster stayed aggressive in the attacking zone as the team added four more shots on goal. In the 21st  minute, The Bucs got into their attacking zone for the first time and capitalized on a goal from Abbey Scott that tied the game at one piece. 

In the final minutes of the first half, the Bucs sent a through ball into the attacking zone that  resulted in a goal by Megan Thompson. Beloit took the 2-1 advantage heading into halftime. 

The Gorloks started the second half with great poise and displayed great control of the ball that resulted in two shots on goal within the five minutes. In the 55th minute, Payton Montana found the back of the net on the assist by Rodgers that tied that match at two. 

Over the next 15 minutes of play, the Gorloks added eight shots on goal. In the 72nd minutes, Rodgers broke the tie with a goal that gave Webster the 3-2 advantage. Less than two minutes later at the 74:07 mark, Beloit tied the match at 3-3 on a goal by Megan Thompson. Less than seven minutes later, Rodgers gave the Gorloks the 4-3 lead with her second goal of the second half as that goal came out to be the difference in this decision. 

For the match, Blakely led the Gorloks offensive with seven shots while Rodgers and Stegen added four each. The Gorloks outshot the Bucs 28-4 as 21 of those shots were on target. The collective defensive effort from the Gorloks only allowed two shots per half.

The Gorloks will have two days of preparation before hosting Rose-Hulman for the home opener on Wednesday, September 4 at 5:30 PM at WTT Soccer Park in Fenton, Missouri.