NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Meredith 2, Mary Baldwin 1
Records: Meredith, 3-4-2 (2-1 USA South); Mary Baldwin, 3-3 (0-2 USA South)
RALEIGH, N.C. - Meredith soccer secured its first home victory of the 2026 season on Saturday night, outlasting Mary Baldwin, 2-1, in an evenly matched battle.
Rachel Ward played hero, continuing her standout senior season. The senior found a crease and put away the eventual game-winner early in the second half and the Avenging Angels' solid defense made it stand the rest of the way.
Although Mary Baldwin held possession more often and generated more chances, the Angels took advantage of their opportunities to move to 2-1 in USA South play.
In the 17th minute, after the Fighting Squirrels had mostly controlled possession in the game's opening minutes, Meredith used a counterattack to stun the Fighting Squirrels.
Claire Wagner's through ball found its way to freshman
Sadie Jones, who won the one-on-one with the goalkeeper to give Meredith the early advantage.
Mary Baldwin responded in the 36th minute, on a beautiful strike from Joelle Hare to the top left of the net to even the score at 1-1, which is where things stood at the break.
Coming out of the locker room, MC took advantage of its chance.
Grace Ensign played a perfect long through ball over the top of the defense, and it found the foot of Ward, who beat the keeper for the eventual game winner.
Both teams generated chances late, but the Fighting Squirrels could not find the equalizer and Meredith held on for the victory.
Delaney Thompson continued her outstanding freshman campaign, making 11 saves and allowing just the one goal.
Up next, the Avenging Angels will have the week off from competition, and return to action at home next Saturday, October 3 at 3 p.m. against Brevard.
TURNING POINT:
- Ward's team-leading fourth goal of the season proved to be the difference in the hard-fought contest.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Meredith is now 3-0 in games that Ward scores.
- Thompson's 11 saves gives her double digits on the season for the second time.
