Janine Einhellig

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. -- The Lady Miner soccer team was able to grab a first half lead Sunday afternoon, but couldn't hold off a rally by Southern Illinois Edwardsville and ended up on the short end of a 2-1 decision.

UMR took the lead on Janine Einhellig's goal off an assist by Edwardsville native Rachel Wille with just under six minutes to play in the opeing half. It was part of a half in which the Lady Miners dominated the offensive play, outshooting the Cougars 7-1 in the first 45 minutes.

However, SIUE evened the score just 1:24 into the second half on a goal by Elizabeth Valenti, then got the eventual game-winning tally from Chelsey Johnston with 10:17 remaining.

Kelsey Kurilla, who was also playing in her hometown Sunday, played the first half in goal and was credited with one save. Catherine Swift made four saves in the second half in the nets for UMR.

The Lady Miners will play host to Saint Joseph's Friday in a 5 p.m. game at the UMR Soccer Field.