Second half scoring outburst pushes Point Park women past Rio Grande, 3-2

From Point Park University athletic department report / Karina Graziani 
Point Park University women’s soccer scored three goals in the second half to net a comeback victory over the University of Rio Grande (Ohio) in a River States Conference game Sunday.
After 35 scoreless minutes in the first half, Rio Grande’s Jenna Jones sunk a free kick to put the RedStorm (7-7-1, 4-2-1 RSC) on the board. Two minutes later, Payten Davis snuck past Ashtyn Webb to put Rio Grande up, 2-0, heading into halftime.
The Pioneers (8-6-1, 5-2-1 RSC), down but not out, returned to the pitch after the break with renewed energy.
All the momentum of the game shifted in Point Park’s favor when Rio Grande was called for a foul in the box in the 58^th minute.
Senior Izzy Hunter took the penalty shot and cut the RedStorm lead to 2-1.
The goal was enough to bring the Pioneers back to life, as Morgan French scored just two minutes later off a pass from Olajua Pedemonte to tie the game, 2-2.
Hunter was part of the game-winning goal in the 71^st minute, calling her pass to Lauren Bower, who darted past her defender and made the shot, putting the Pioneers on top, 3-2.
Goalkeeper Webb made four saves all the first half for the Pioneers, including another high free kick from Jones early on that Webb tipped above the net.
Rio Grande goalkeeper Andrea Vera played only 38 minutes in goal, heading to the bench with an injury before halftime. She tallied two saves. Ali Jones took the loss in 52 minutes of action, allowing all three of the Pioneers’ goals and stopping four shots.
Point Park kicked things off with by recognizing the seven senior members of the team before the game: Hunter, Justina Cincotti, Alex Gradwell,Audra Lewis, Katy Melhuish, Noel Hartle and Bella Wilson.
The Pioneers’ next game is a non-conference match against Shawnee State University on Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. at Highmark Stadium. Live video will be available on the Point Park Sports Network at pointparksports.com/live.
Today’s win bumps the Pioneers up to third in the RSC standings. Point Park’s final conference game is against crosstown rival Carlow University on Oct. 28 at 11:30 a.m.