PERKINSTON, Miss. — A four-match unbeaten streak came to an end for the No. 11 Pearl River women's soccer team Friday night as rival Gulf Coast pulled out a 3-1 victory. 

"I think the girls played hard. It's always harder when you're playing in a rivalry game," head coach Henrik Madsen said. "Emotions are so high. We made some uncharacteristic mistakes at the back. We've been so good back there this year. 

"We created plenty of chances to tie it or even win it but were not sharp enough in front of the net. We have to play with a higher level there."

Twenty-two minutes into the night, Gulf Coast (7-2-1; 4-2-1) took the lead against Pearl River (6-3-2; 4-2-1), smashing home a perfectly placed cross, 1-0. The Bulldogs padded the lead five minutes into the second half to double their advantage, 2-0.

Pearl River had its best opportunity to get on the scoresheet in the 56th minute, but Abby Badurak's (Gulfport) header couldn't quite get on the frame. 

One minute later, Frederikke Nielsen (Randers, Denmark) nearly struck on the volley, but her shot attempt sailed inches over the crossbar. Gulf Coast instantly went on the attack off the ensuing goal kick and earned a penalty kick that it converted, 3-0.

The Wildcats developed numerous attacking chances as the match moved along, but it wasn't until the 75th minute that PRCC finally broke the clean sheet. Holly Jones (Liverpool, England) delivered a perfect lofted free kick that the crashing Badurak headed into the back of the net, 3-1.

"She's really good in the air because she's so aggressive," Madsen said. "She really goes after it. She's on a good scoring streak right now, and I think she will keep getting better."

The Wildcats continued to push for goals as the match moved along, but Gulf Coast held strong defensively to pick up a win.

NEXT UP
The Wildcats travel to Decatur Tuesday to take on East Central. The match will get underway at 5 p.m. and will be livestreamed at ECCCLive.com.

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