PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. - The University of Saint Francis women's soccer team had a strong second-half performance, defeating the Trolls of Trinity Christian College by a final score of 3-0 on Wednesday, September 10.

Trinity Christian got on the scoreboard first with a goal at the 5:32 mark of the first half. Despite multiple shot attempts, Saint Francis was unable to find an equalizer, leaving TCC with a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Less than 10 minutes into the second half, Evelyn Harkenrider scored the Cougars' first goal of the night, assisted by Sarah Bohanon, bringing the score to 1-1. Madison Meeks then gave Saint Francis the lead by scoring her first goal of the season in the 59th minute. Harkenrider extended the Cougars' advantage to 3-1 with her team-leading fifth goal of the season, assisted by Hailey Stanforth. All three of the Cougars' goals were scored within a six-minute span. The Cougars limited the Trolls to just two shots in the second half, completing a comeback victory and securing their fourth consecutive win.

Saint Francis recorded nine shots during the match, with six of those on target. The Trolls finished with eight shots, and both teams took three corner kicks each. Harkenrider and Grace Hein led Saint Francis with two shots on goal apiece. Sophomore Rachel Bova made five saves, earning her fifth win in goal for the Cougars.

Next up, Saint Francis women's soccer (6-1-0) will host Indiana University Northwest on September 13. The Cougars team will recognize its senior class during Senior Day at Bishop John M. D'Arcy Stadium on Saturday.

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Lafayette, and online. Saint Francis Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 21 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 1,800 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.