Mankato, Minn. – The Crown women's soccer team jumped ahead by three goals in their first meeting with the Bethany Lutheran College Vikings, hanging on to win 4-3 at home this past Thursday.  They couldn't bring the momentum with them on the road, however, falling behind 4-0 before grabbing a late goal in a 4-1 defeat.

Thursday's win was Crown's second consecutive UMAC win this season, and was sparked by Megan Wright's first half hat trick.  Samantha Samsa and Terrin Boozikee set up two of the three goals to stake Crown to a commanding lead at halftime. 

BLC struck quickly, scoring just 30 seconds into the second half, but Crown came right back, forcing an own goal on a dangerous ball played by Wright to jump ahead 4-1.  The Vikings netted two more goals with more than half an hour remaining, but Crown settled down and played a scoreless remainder of the game to prevail 4-3.

The tables turned quickly in the Saturday rematch between the travel partners, with Bethany scoring three first half goals to take a 3-0 lead into the break.  The Vikings would add another goal with under four minutes remaining before Susanna Pjecha connected with Mary Voss for a goal to put Crown on the board.  The effort was too little too late, however, and Crown fell 4-1. 

The loss puts Crown in a tough spot, as the Storm are now six points back of two teams for the final playoff spot in the UMAC, and in a dead heat with Northland in sixth place.  The Storm have a big matchup with the Lumber Jills in their final home match of the season on Saturday after playing St. Scholastica at home on Friday.