DeLAND—UCF'S Carol Rodrigues scored a pair of goals, including the decisive penalty kick in the 83rd minute as Stetson suffered a 2-1 loss on Sunday at the Athletic Training Center.
UCF (3-3-0) opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Carrie Lawrence's corner kick was headed in by Lawrence just inside the near post as the Knights grabbed a 1-0 lead.
Sarah Collins knotted the match for the Hatters (1-3-2) in the 32nd minute, breaking away from three defenders just across midfield and firing a shot from 15 yards away just out of the reach of UCF keeper Vera Varis.
The goal was redemption for Collins, who missed an opportunity to put the Haters on the board in the 30th minute when Varis saved a similar opportunity. On her second chance she came through.
The match remained tied 1-1 until Rodrigues was fouled in the box in traffic with seven minutes to play. Her PK attempt just beat Stetson keeper Kahri Smith's diving save attempt, giving the Knights a 2-1 lead.
UCF's defense buckled down and held Stetson without a shot for the final seven minutes to preserve the win.
The Knights edged the Hatters in shots, 15-13. Smith made six saves for Stetson while Varis stopped two shots for UCF.
The Hatters return to action when they visit College of Charleston on Friday, Sept. 9.
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