After a combative and committed regulation between MNU and Benedictine College, Hannah Benedict forced a finish of the contest five minutes into the first overtime to give the Pioneers a 1-0 victory over the 9th ranked Ravens.
On a blustery, wind-blown Tuesday afternoon, the Pioneers of MNU faced off against the Ravens of Benedictine College. From the kickoff of the first half, the Ravens flew with the wind at their backs and wielded its force to aid in their attacks. But the Pioneers were up to the task, showing themselves to be well-drilled in the aerial efforts of the Ravens, withstanding the rapping and tapping at the goal. At one moment Benedictine looked to be through with a one-on-one, but Sophomore keeper Anesa Curic charged out firm to smother the threat. In the second half, the wind changed her allegiance and lent her force to the Pioneers. Despite possession in favor of MNU, the Benedictine back line held firm, and shooed off several Pioneer attempts. A last minute corner kick seemed as if it might do the trick, but the curled cross found the safe hands of the Ravens goalkeeper. The Pioneers would be heading into overtime once more.
Now the teams may have been aware of the games that came before, that the Pioneers have played in overtime times four, but in the wind and under the clouds the Ravens wouldn't score, the MNU center backs proclaiming 'nevermore'.
Lo, this day was to be a triumphant note in MNU soccer lore, the Pioneers would summon courage from their core, and with their battling and attack they gave the Ravens quite a chore, and the final strike from Benedict, on the match, shut the door.
Some say it's better the be lucky than good, but on the only goal of the match Hannah Benedict was both. After a run down the right flank, Breanna FitzGerald passed to Benedict who was being chased at the edge of the box. Benedict, in a show of strength and skill, shielded the ball and held off the defender, before turning and setting herself up for a left footed shot that deflected off a Benedictine defender and then hit the back of the net. Benedict, perhaps slightly shocked that she had just won the match for MNU, stood as teammates from the pitch and the bench rushed to encircle her in rapturous celebration.
Today was a fine day to be a Pioneer, and celebrations well-deserved, but the task of fighting for the conference is still at hand. The Pioneers will have a week off before heading back on the road to face Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri next week Wednesday, October 12th.
