Nina McDowell scored three goals as the Blue Storm came back from an early deficit to defeat visiting St. Maria Goretti 6-4 in a girls' varsity soccer game October 4.

The Gaels got on the board early and converted a breakaway midway through the first half to take a 2-0 lead. Mercersburg controlled possession for most of the half, but were held scoreless until McDowell drilled her first goal with about a minute left before half. The Blue Storm trailed 2-1 at the break, but had momentum and confidence heading into the second half. 

McDowell tied the game just a minute into the second half by pouncing on a ball that the goalie mishandled, but Goretti scored on another breakaway just a minute later to take the lead. The Gaels had several breakaway opportunities during the game as the Blue Storm pressed forward to attack the offensive end. The attacking paid off with three goals in three minutes midway through the second half. Nora Smith '24 tied the score at 3 by knocking in a corner kick from Grace Rachal '24. Just 30 seconds later Jamie Vulakh '24 drove one home from just inside the box and two minutes later Smith '24 scored again to put Mercersburg up by two. Goretti scored on a penalty kick (after another breakaway opportunity) with 5:20 left in the game, but McDowell completed her hat trick with a sharp angle shot from the right side shortly after. That was the final goal as the Blue Storm held on for a 6-4 win.

Mercersburg was playing without their number one goalie and top scorer, but Hadley Frey  '26 did a great job in the net and made a couple of spectacular saves. Adrienne Howard '26 picked up an assist and Maddie Goodhart '24 and Solie Stenger '25 did a great job supporting the offensive attack from the back line, helping the Storm build a 27-15 advantage in shots and an 8-2 edge in corner kicks.

Mercersburg is now 5-4-1 with a game at Episcopal High School (Alexandria, VA) on Friday, October 6 at 4 pm.