ATCHISON, Kan. – The Graceland University women's soccer team mounted a determined second-half comeback Saturday evening but fell just short in a 3-2 road loss to Benedictine College in Heart of America Athletic Conference action at Legacy Field.

With the result, Graceland drops to 3-4-1 overall and 0-2-1 in Heart play, while Benedictine improves to 6-2-0 overall and 3-1-0 in the conference.

Graceland erased a two-goal halftime deficit with second-half goals from Mariam El Mir Tartouri and Sierra Flores, leveling the match at 2-2 with less than 10 minutes remaining. However, Benedictine's Payton Vogelbacher scored the game-winner in the 86th minute to seal the win for the Ravens.

"Proud of the girls tonight for the way we responded in the second half," said head coach Randall Porter. "If we could put two halves together, we might be able to do something pretty good, but we are young and still learning. Benedictine is a very good team, so I'm happy we were able to come back and tie it, but we need to find a way to get a result. Lexi Porter made some very, very big-time saves for us that gave us a chance."

Porter, a freshman goalkeeper, was outstanding under pressure, recording nine saves on the night as the Yellowjackets faced 16 total shots, including 12 on goal. Graceland produced eight total shots, placing three on frame.

The Ravens took control early, breaking through in the 21st minute on a finish by Christine Znidarsic, assisted by Ella Braunger. Just before halftime, Mara Loughman doubled the lead with a close-range goal in the 45th minute following a through pass from Rowan Yows.

Graceland responded in the second half, cutting the deficit in the 69th minute when Tartouri scored unassisted, finishing off a solo run into the box. In the 81st minute, Flores equalized from the penalty spot after a Benedictine foul inside the area.

The Ravens regained the lead less than five minutes later. Vogelbacher, who was active throughout with a match-high 10 shots, scored the game-winner off an assist from Yows—her second of the match.

Graceland finished with five second-half corner kicks and limited Benedictine to two after the break. Montera led the Yellowjackets with four total shots, while Tartouri and Lageman each added attempts in the attacking third.

The Yellowjackets committed 10 fouls to Benedictine's 8, and the hosts were issued the match's only caution—a yellow card to Znidarsic in the 82nd minute.

Despite the defeat, Graceland's strong second-half showing marked continued improvement for a squad that features multiple underclassmen contributing significant minutes. The ability to rally from a multi-goal deficit against a top conference opponent offers promise for the weeks ahead.

Up next, Graceland will host Park University on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 5:00 p.m. CDT at Rasmussen Sports Complex in Lamoni, Iowa. The contest marks another Heart of America clash as the Yellowjackets look to earn their first conference win of the season.

For more information on Graceland women's soccer and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.