Late Equalizer Helps Statesmen Earn 2-2 Draw Against Eagles

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA — The Richard Bland College Women's Soccer team battled back in the final minutes to secure a 2-2 draw against Wake Technical Community College on Wednesday afternoon. With the result, the Statesmen move to 4-1-1 overall and open Region 10 play with a point on the road.

The opening half saw both teams locked in a defensive standoff, with neither side able to find the breakthrough before halftime. The action intensified after the break, as Wake Tech struck first in the 46th minute on an unassisted shot to give the Eagles a 1-0 advantage.

RBC responded quickly just two minutes later. Freshman defender Hailey Gradiska found the back of the net in the 48th minute, finishing off a setup from Shani Priestly to bring the Statesmen level at 1-1.

Wake Tech reclaimed the lead in the 69th minute, but Richard Bland refused to go away. With time winding down, the Statesmen found the equalizer in the 84th minute when Rhianna Pena slotted home the final goal of the match, once again assisted by Priestly.

The match closed with both sides pushing for a winner, but neither could break the deadlock as the final whistle sealed the 2-2 draw.

The Statesmen were efficient in attack, scoring twice on just four shots on goal. RBC finished with nine total shots compared to Wake Tech's 11. Goalkeeper Piper Whitney anchored the back line, recording four saves across 90 minutes.

Richard Bland will return home to Willcox Field on Saturday, October 4^th to face off against Region 10 foe Cape Fear Community College, in a rematch of the 2024 Region Championship. Kickoff is set for 2pm.

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