SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. – Rock Valley College women's soccer went toe-to-toe with nationally ranked South Suburban College on Friday, taking a 2-1 lead into halftime before the NJCAA Division II No. 16 Bulldogs rallied in the second half to earn a 4-2 victory.

The Golden Eagles entered the contest riding a three-match winning streak and quickly showed they were ready for the challenge. Rock Valley produced two first-half goals while holding South Suburban to one, giving RVC a 2-1 advantage at the break.

Crystal Garcia and Johanna Hawley provided the scoring for Rock Valley, with Joscelyn Posada and Sydney Stovall each recording an assist. Garcia put both of her shots on goal, while Hawley finished with three shots as the Golden Eagles found success against the nationally ranked South Suburban defense.

The momentum shifted after halftime as South Suburban responded with three unanswered goals to overcome the one-goal deficit and take a 4-2 advantage.

Rock Valley continued to create opportunities throughout the match and finished with 17 shots, including nine on goal. Izze Fritz and Hawley recorded three shots apiece, while Garcia, Araceli Delgado and Keira Kelly each added two. Delgado put both of her attempts on target. A frustrating result when looking back at the amount of control and possession Rock Valley had in the game. All goals against stemming from individual errors and against the run of play made for a frustrating afternoon. Out of possession South Suburban were very good defending behind the ball and making things difficult, capitalized on counter attacks, and moved the ball from back to front very directly. 

Goalkeeper Sareth Marquez played the full 90 minutes for the Golden Eagles and recorded two saves against a South Suburban attack that is one of the best in Region 4.

Despite the setback, RVC showed its ability to compete with nationally ranked NJCAA Division II competition. The Golden Eagles carried a lead into halftime and continued to generate scoring opportunities throughout the match.

Rock Valley will look to build on the positives from the performance as the Golden Eagles turn their attention back to the Region 4 portion of their schedule.