BOCA RATON, Fla. (Women’s Soccer) – Florida Tech took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Carly Hunt in the 22nd minute, but Lynn evened the score just before halftime and then added another goal in the second half to knock off the Panthers, 2-1, at Florida Atlantic University Soccer Field on Saturday.

Lynn (5-8-2) failed to clear the ball in the 22nd minute of play, and FIT (7-6-3) made them pay.

Hunt intercepted the ball just over midfield and dribbled through the remaining defenders. With a one-on-one opportunity with the opposing goalkeeper, Hunt drilled the ball left side for the game’s opening goal.

The Panthers registered the game’s first seven shots, including the goal by Hunt. The Fighting Knights finally earned an offensive statistic in the 25th minute when FIT goalkeeper Paige Redmon made a save on Tatiana Penagos.

FIT continued to put pressure on Lynn, recording six of the next seven shots. The Panthers also earned four of their 10 first-half corner kicks in that time span. But Lynn keeper Kelsey Butler stood strong, making three saves.

“The conditions were not the best, with 35-mph cross winds,” head coach Fidgi Haig said of the remains of Hurricane Sandy. “We did not take advantage of the wind at our backs in the first half, and gave chances away. We have to give Lynn credit, though, for dealing with the wind in the first half.”

With time winding down in the half, the Fighting Knights found the equalizer. Penagos, with her second shot of the half, tapped in a pass from Aleanna Vargas in the 42nd minute to send the game into the half tied 1-1.

Lynn took advantage of the wind at its back in the second half, outshooting FIT 8-7 and earning the only four corner kicks of the session.

The decisive goal came in the 65th minute. The Fighting Knights earned a free kick and quickly took it before the Panthers could get their defense set up. The kick set up Jackie Hellett from 35 yards out. Hellett’s blast beat an outreached Redmon for a 2-1 lead.

Again, the Panthers put pressure on Lynn in the offensive zone with the wind against them. FIT fired six of the final seven shots of the game, but could not solve Butler who made eight saves in the match for her fifth win of the season.

Christina Edwards, Hunt, Chelsea Pushman and Kelly Whittaker, who were playing their final game in the Crimson and Gray, combined for 14 of the team’s 20 shots in the match. Hunt recorded seven of the 14.

The Panthers conclude the regular season with a 7-6-3 overall record.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

ECNL Girls N. Atlantic Players to Watch

Women's NCAA Tournament Round Two Preview

Best of Men's College Soccer Week 13