The University of Redlands women's soccer team took a one-goal lead in the second half against Whitman College (WA) on Sunday afternoon, but two late goals from the Missionaries led to a tough defeat for the Bulldogs, losing by a final score of 1-2. 

In the first half, neither team got on the board despite eight total shots being fired off.  Redlands senior goalkeeper Sabrina Grandke-Bawab (Kirkland, WA) was integral in keeping Whitman off the score-sheet, racking up three saves during the first 45 minutes.

In the 54th minute, U of R senior midfielder Lihini Weerasinghe (Redlands, CA) found the breakthrough for the Bulldogs, firing a shot past the Missionary goalkeeper into the right corner of the goal.  On the play, freshman midfielder Erin Lau (Reno, NV) notched the first assist of her collegiate career.

The Maroon and Gray held strong defensively over the next 30 minutes, but in the 84th minute conceded a goal that tied the game at 1-1.  Then, just over three minutes later, Whitman's Clara Merlino found the back of the net again for her second goal, giving the Missionaries the one-goal advantage.

Redlands tried to find the late equalizer, but could not, resulting in the one-goal defeat.

For the game, the Bulldogs were outshot by Whitman, 7-12, while the corner-kicks were even at two for each team.

Sophomore midfielder Cassie Lively (Redmond, WA) and sophomore forward Jennifer Franklin (Seattle, WA) led the attack for the Maroon and Gray, providing two shots apiece.

The U of R takes a 10-day break from action before opening Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) play with its home opener against Cal Lutheran University on September 18.  Kick off at Farquhar Field is scheduled for 7 p.m.