DELAWARE, Ohio — A late goal by Callie Thompson became a historic moment for the Earlham College women's soccer team on Saturday night as the Quakers qualified for the North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament for the first time by defeating Ohio Wesleyan University 2-1.

Thompson broke the 1-1 tie with her fifth goal of the season at 83:36 with Karman Duchon assisting on the play. “This second half victory is a testament to our team's work ethic and heart,” Earlham Head Coach Jocelyn Keller said. “Our forwards were extremely active and had some great opportunities on goal.”

The Quakers (11-6-1, 4-3-1) will play at Denison University on Tuesday in the opening round of the NCAC Tournament at 7 p.m.

Earlham is the No. 4 seed, while top-seeded Denison (15-2-2, 7-0-1) is ranked No. 12 in the nation and won the NCAC regular season title. In the match between the two squads earlier this season, Denison won 2-0 on Oct. 14.

Needing a victory to advance to the NCAC Tournament, the Quakers surrendered a goal at 3:04 of the opening period and the Bishops (8-8-2, 4-4) eventually led 1-0 at intermission.

Earlham fought valiantly from that point and led 19-14 in shots and 6-4 in corner kicks.

“We stepped up down a goal and we are really proud to leave the NCAC on this note,” Keller said of her team's performance as Earlham prepares to join the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference next season. “Now, we look towards Denison and need to focus on playing better than we did in mid-October.”

Finally in the second half, the Quakers scored at 70:36 when Joy Doucette found the net for her sixth goal of the fall with an assist from Duchon to tie the match and set the stage for Thompson's winning score.

Earlham goalkeeper Megan Holthaus had six saves for the Quakers, but half proved to be critical. “Megan came up with three phenomenal saves,” Keller said.

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