The Waynesburg University women’s soccer team hosted Salem College, on Saturday Sept. 23, a team which traveled from North Carolina. After a scoreless first half, The Yellow Jackets fell, 2-1 in the contest.

In the first half of the game, the Yellow Jackets were only able to get off five shots, with two being on goal.

The Spirits got five shots on goal in the first half as well, but with solid play by sophomore goalkeeper Courtney Syfert the game remained scoreless at halftime.

In the 71st minute of the game, the Spirits were able to strike first after senior forward Brooke Bukas was assisted by junior forward Maddie Crumpton.

Just 22 seconds later, the Jackets responded when sophomore midfielder Emma Gozzard racked up her first goal of the season with an assist by sophomore midfielder Brittany Woodcock to even the game at one.

Then six minutes later, Bukas tallied her second goal of the game off a corner kick to give the Spirits the lead again.

The Yellow Jackets had a couple of chances late in the game, but could not find a way to tie the score. Senior defender and captain Sam Nichols said that Salem was able to capitalize on Waynesburg’s errors.

“Our mistakes were made because of us and they reacted off of our mistakes and used them to put them ahead,” said Nichols.

The game was dominated on the offensive end by the Spirits, as they had 21 shots on goal to the Waynesburg’s seven. Syfert had a season high 11 saves on the night.

Nichols said that she did not feel that her team played to their skillset.

“At times we didn’t play to our best ability like we know we can,” said Nichols.

Team chemistry played an important role in Saturdays game.

“We need to work on working as a team, it’s either the defense is doing their job or the midfield and forwards are,” said sophomore midfielder Brittany Woodcock. “[Conference play] is our time to shine, if we put our heart and effort into it we will be unbreakable.”

The next time the Yellow Jackets take the field will be for their Presidents’ Athletic Conference opener on the road at Saint Vincent to take on the Bearcats. So far this season, Saint Vincent has struggled in nonconference matchups, having no wins and only a tie going into conference action.

The Bearcats tie came against Hilbert and ended in a 0-0 lockout.

The game against Waynesburg University will be played on Friday, Sept. 29, and is scheduled to start at 4 p.m.