Waaland delivers Women’s Soccer over Pikeville 2-1

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (October 28, 2023) – Angeleena Waaland scored in the 84th minute to deliver the Milligan University women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory at Pikeville in the regular season finale on Saturday evening.

Milligan closes the regular season with a 9-8-1 record and an 8-6 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) record. Pikeville falls to 6-10-2, 5-7-2 AAC.

With the win, Milligan clinches the No. 7 seed in the AAC Tournament and Pikeville settles for the No. 10 seed. The Buffs and Bears will meet in the opening round of the AAC Tournament on Tuesday with the winner advancing to the conference quarterfinals.

The Buffs scored the opening goal in the game's fourth minute as Waaland stole a Pikeville goal kick, centered the ball to Natalie Roper who turned and fired in her 15th goal of the season.

The Bears had their only shot on goal in the first half in the 11th minute with Akyla Walcott making the save.

Waaland had a one-on-one opportunity turned away by the Pikeville keeper in the 15th minute to win a corner kick. The teams combined for just one shot the rest of the period as Milligan carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Chances were at a premium in the second half. Lauren Hawkley had a shot thwarted in the 56th minute. Pikeville tied the game in the 69th minute with a leaping header at the left post off a towering cross.

Waaland was dragged down inside the 18-yard box to earn the Buffs a penalty kick in the 75th minute. Taylor Dawson's PK attempt was deflected by the Pikeville goalkeeper, hit the crossbar and bounced to a Baer who was able to clear it away.

Waaland scored the game-winner on an end-to-end goal with just over seven minutes to play. Walcott sent a goal kick near midfield where Lucy Knowles forwarded a pass to Roper, who sent a through ball to Waaland behind the Bears' back line. Waaland converted the one-on-one opportunity against the Pikeville keeper for her 10th tally of the year.

Pikeville earned a corner kick in the final seconds but was unable to put an attempt on goal as the Buffs clinched the 2-1 win and a winning season in league play.

Milligan outshot Pikeville 10-3 (6-2 SOG) with Waaland and Roper combining for eight of the Buffs' 10 shots.

The Buffs will host Pikeville in the AAC Tournament first round on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. at Anglin Field.