Box Score PURCHASE, N.Y. (Sept.17, 2014)-- On Wednesday evening the visiting Drew University women's soccer team (3-3) topped the Manhattanville College Valiants (1-5) in a thrilling match up underneath the lights.

After playing the first 45 minutes of the game to a 0-0 tie, the Rangers came out in the second half with an eye for the goal. In the 51st minute, junior midfielder Danielle Cowan found the perfect time to notch the first tally of the game, and the first goal of her 2014 season.

Cowan's goal wasn't the only first for the Rangers. Sophomore goalkeeper Andee Higgins made her first career start, and anchored a dynamic and forceful defense. Once the game started, it was the consistent attacks by both offense that really set the pace and physicality of the game. "It was physical," head coach Christa Racine said, "but it's something we're used to, it's a part of the game." The Rangers offense was littered with five corner kicks in the first half, but couldn't land a solid shot on net. With each attack the Valiants were ready to break out with a counter attack.

Heading into halftime, Manhattanville had the edge on Drew in shots, 5-4, but in the second half the Rangers would look to create more scoring plays.

In the 51st minute of the game, junior forward Emma Campbell had her shot blocked but the ball danced around the 18-yard box until it landed just outside the box on the left side where Cowan cranked a shot that would find the back of the net. "Danielle Cowan not only scores the game winner but also created other scoring opportunities for her teammates," Racine boasted. With the 1-0 lead, the Rangers began to turn up the heat and managed to rip four shots off in a three minute stretch. Junior midfielder Mel Santos during this stretch was able to get two strong looks at the net during this time.

In the latter 45 minutes, the Drew out shot Manhattanville 8-2 and finished the game leading the Valiants in shots 12-7. The shut down defense in the second half gave Higgins her first career shut out and she came away from the game with four saves.

The women's soccer team returns to action next Wednesday, September 24th, when they take on nearby rival Stevens Institute of Technology at 7:00pm at Ranger Stadium.