The Misericordia University women's soccer team scored two unanswered second half goals to defeat FDU-Florham, 2-1, in the MAC Freedom Semifinals, Wednesday on Mangelsdorf Field.

Hannah Larkin and Michaela Fasolino propelled Misericordia to a second half comeback with goals in the 47^th and 64^th minutes, respectively.

After trailing by one at the half, the Cougars responded with a quick second half equalizer courtesy of Larkin. Ashley Edgell played a through ball to her fellow senior at the 40-yard line, which led to a Cougar breakaway. Larkin ripped a shot off the bottom of the crossbar and it deflected into the net for her eighth goal of the season.

The Cougars added on their second goal when Fasolino connected on the game-winner following a Kaylee Sturans corner kick. Fasolino collected the loose ball and buried a shot from seven yards out after the first-year midfielder played the corner ball into a sea of bodies.

Later in the half, Kristen Ritter preserved the Cougars' lead with a phenomenal defensive save in the 76^th minute. Tatiana Nieto fired a shot from inside the box, but was denied as Ritter gathered and cleared the attempt from just in front of the goal line.

The Cougars dictated the majority of play in the first half with a 12-2 shots advantage. However, FDU-Florham was able to make the most of their opportunities with a go-ahead goal in the 44^th minute.

Erika Pita found the back of the net for the Devils after connecting on a through ball from Nieto, which led to a breakaway. Misericordia's goalkeeper Alexis Benedetto challenged the midfielder by charging after the loose ball, but was unable to win the battle as Pita chipped a shot into the net.
 
Earlier in the first half, Benedetto was able to deny Pita on a similar play. The Devils stole the ball from the Cougars around the 25-yard marker and fed a cutting Pita. However, Bendetto ranged six yards out of her net and defused the scoring opportunity with a sliding save.

One of Misericordia's best first half scoring chances occurred around the 16^th minute. Larkin sent a volley to Jeanna Orfanos in front of the net, but the pass was intercepted by a leaping Ashley Paulino.

The Devils keeper made another heads-up save after Ritter nearly connected on a Sturans corner kick from 15-yards out in the 29th minute. The Cougars caught the Devils off guard with a crafty corner play, but were denied when Paulino corralled Ritter's shot, which nearly snuck its way through traffic.
 
The top-seeded Cougars improve to 14-2-1 on the season and will host Wilkes in the MAC Freedom Championship, Saturday at 5:00 on Mangelsdorf Field. Misericordia defeated Wilkes, 3-0, in their lone meeting this season on Oct. 16.