WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Gallaudet University women's soccer team dug itself a big hole early in Sunday's home non-conference game against Randolph College. The Bison fell behind 3-0 in the first 31 minutes of play and was forced to play catch-up for the entire game. Gallaudet received three goals from sophomore Shaq McDonough (Pembroke, Mass.) but her tallies only tied the game as the Wildcats (3-2) added a fourth goal in the 74th minute to seal the 4-3 win.

Randolph freshman midfielder Marielle Rando scored the game's first two goals to push the Wildcats out to an early 2-0 lead. The visitors added a third goal when sophomore forward Amanda Cooper (one assist) sent a shot towards the Gallaudet goal. The shot bounced off goalie Kara Gulvas (10 saves) and deflected into the goal for the own goal.

The Bison (2-1) came to life late in the first half when McDonough dribbled past Randolph goalie Victoria Johnson (four saves) and scored on the empty net. The Wildcats led 3-1 at the half as it held an 8-7 shot advantage.

In the second half, McDonough scored back-to-back goals in a two-minute span. Her second goal of the game came off a pass from sophomore Maddie Morgan (Hockessin, Del.). McDonough settled the ball at her feet and rolled around a Wildcat defender to beat Johnson. Randolph was then whistled for a foul in the goalie box, which led to McDonough's third goal as she converted the penalty kick with a shot to the right corner.

The tempo of the game came to life as the game remained tie for nearly 20 minutes. Both teams began to press each other in both directions. Randolph received a break when Gallaudet committed a foul. The Wildcats received a free kick opportunity from 35-yards out. Randolph coach Kevin Porterfield called Johnson up to take the kick. The goalie lifted a high arching shot over the head of Gulvas for the fourth and final goal of the game at the 74th minute.

The game was closely contested as Randolph held a 17-14 advantage on shots while Gallaudet led 5-3 on corner kicks.

GU will next hit the road on Thursday, September 16, to face Mary Baldwin College at 4 p.m.