Box Score Box Score
LANCASTER, Pa. - A pair of Franklin & Marshall goals in the final three minutes keyed an improbable comeback and eventually forced a 2-2 20T tie against Covenant on Saturday afternoon in Lancaster.
The non-conference women's soccer tilt moved the Diplomats to 0-1-1 on the year while the Scots also sit at 0-1-1.
Trailing by a 2-0 score in the 88th minute, a Convent foul in the box led to an Ali Cunniffe penalty kick opportunity. F&M'S sophomore defender made good on the opportunity, finding the back of the net with a strike to the bottom right corner.
A mere 1:16 remained on the clock when Cunniffe was again in on the action, sending a free kick on goal that was initially turned back by the Scots' netminder. However, Nicolette Runko was there to clean up the rebound, collecting the ball and sending a shot into the bottom center of the net to knot the game at 2-2.
The Diplomat defense hung tough in overtime as F&M goalkeeper Gabby Panayotakis came up with a clutch stop in the 97th minute, storming off the line to nullify a one-on-one opportunity and preserve the tie.
Covenant tallied both of its scores in the 50th and 78th minutes of the second half before the Diplomats began their comeback bid.
Overall, the shot count belonged to Covenant at 22-19, while corners were even at 7-7. First-year Haley Barge led the Diplomat attack with five shots, including three on frame, while Runko also registered five and Sarah Laterza was credited with three.
Panayotakis (0-1-1) was strong throughout, turning back 11 shots in 110 minutes of play. Rachel Lemay (0-1-1) also had an impressive showing for the Scots with a nine-save effort.
Non-conference competition continues next Saturday, Sept. 1 when F&M travels to Washington & Lee for day one of the W&L Tournament in Lexington.
