Field player Kristen Gedon stepped into goal for the first time in her career and made several tough second half plays as the Misericordia women's soccer team defeated Wilkes 2-1 tonight at Mangelsdorf Field.

When starting goalkeeper Morgan Myers went down with an injury the Cougars, who were without a backup, were left to scramble for options on the eve of a crucial conference match-up.

But Gedon came up big, making four saves and punching away a dangerous Wilkes free kick in the final minute to preserve the victory.

Another Cougar hero who stepped up in an unlikely spot was junior Jenn Brucker. MU's star center back had never scored a collegiate goal, but it was her 35-yard free kick in the 64th minute that won the game for Misericordia.

Brucker had recorded her first career point two minutes earlier, swinging in a corner kick that was headed in by freshman Laura Roney to tie the score at 1-1.

With 20 minutes to play, Gedon made a diving save on Wilkes' Krista Zawistowski. Soon after, she stopped Ashley Edwards and then was able to cover the rebound before it squibbed over the goal line.

Wilkes' final opportunity came on a free kick with 45 seconds to go, but Gedon came out to punch the chance clear.

The Colonels had taken the lead less than six minutes into the game. Erin Donnelly played a ball into the six-yard box and after a goalmouth scramble, Julissa Reed poked it in for her team-leading fourth goal of the season. An MU defender nearly cleared the shot off the line but the linesman waved for a goal.

The Cougars had a pair of free kicks from just outside the penalty area late in the first half. Wilkes goalkeeper Brooke Keister was called for handling outside the box, but MU's Sam Helmstetter put her attempt just wide. Then a foul led to another dangerous MU free kick from almost the exact same spot, that Brucker rocketed off the crossbar.

With the gutsy victory, the Cougars improve to 5-9, but more importantly are 2-1 in the Freedom Conference. Misericordia has now won three straight and will look to continue their playoff push this weekend when they host Delaware Valley in another conference match-up.

Laura Roney Heads in MU's First Goal (62nd Minute):

Jenn Brucker Wins it From Long Range (64th Minute):< br="">