THOMASVILLE, Ga. - Olivia Taylor converted a Mackenzie Dolan cross in the 11th minute of overtime, and the Thomas University women's soccer team battled back from an early two-goal deficit to defeat the Brenau Golden Tigers 3-2.
 
After surrendering two early goals, the Lady Night Hawks (2-2) scored three consecutive times, including once in the second period of overtime, to earn the victory in what was undoubtedly the team's best performance of the season thus far.
 
"We are a team that is known for working hard on the field, and that was totally lacking in the first 20 minutes," head coach Julie Orlowski said of her team's slow start. But, despite falling behind early, the two-goal deficit wasn't too much for TU to overcome. 
 
Alleah Long opened the scoring in the 31st minute for Thomas when she finished a cross from Kaleigh Premo, a goal that provided a crucial momentum shift for the Lady Night Hawks heading into halftime (video). 
 
The team's great play continued after the break, as much of the final period was spent in TU's attacking half, a noticeable difference from the opening 45 minutes.
 
"We put a lot more pressure on (Brenau) in the second half and, ultimately, our depth came through," Orlowski continued. 
 
Thomas' depth paid off just 12 minutes before the end of regulation, when Adrianna Johnson buried a shot from the top of the box to pull the Lady Night Hawks level (video).
 
A flurry of chances in the first overtime continued to tilt the momentum towards the home side, and the team needed just one minute in the second overtime to find a winner.
 
The final goal displayed brilliant passing from the Lady Night Hawks, as Long found Mackenzie Dolan in space down the left sideline.  Dolan then played a perfectly-weighted ball across the box to Olivia Taylor, who settled and fired her shot past the Brenau keeper for the third and decisive goal (video).
 
"We appreciated having so many fans here to support us during our home opener," Orlowski concluded after her team's second win of the season.  "Kudos to Brenau for coming here on a hot day and using only two subs in 101 minutes.  I think the future is bright for both sides."
 
The Lady Night Hawks will look for a third consecutive victory on Fri., Sept. 4, as they travel to Macon, Ga., to face Middle Georgia State.  First touch is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
 
For up-to-date information on this matchup and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by play, and feature stories of your TU women's soccer team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksWSocc.