LAKE WALES, Fla. – The Thomas University women's soccer team dealt Warner University a 2-1 loss Friday morning, the Royals' first Sun Conference defeat of the season. 

Thomas improves to 4-5-2 (3-2-1 TSC) while Warner drops to 10-3-1 (6-1 TSC) on the season. 

"After everything we have been through the past three days, to come away with three points is just amazing," said Head Coach Julie Orlowski. "It is a testament to the leadership on this team. I couldn't be more pleased with them as people and as soccer players."

The Night Hawks played No. 3 Southeastern in Lakeland, Fla., on Wednesday, then drove back four hours to Thomasville, Ga., to see the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. TU was to host Warner on Saturday, but with no electricity in the area, the match was rescheduled, and relocated, to Lake Wales today. So the team drove four-and-a-half hours back to Central Florida for Friday's 11:30 a.m. match. 

"I can't say enough about Coach Payton Chitwood and all of the staff at Warner for making this match possible," added Orlowski. "Win or lose, the administrations of both schools made the right decision."

Thomas scored first on Friday morning, as Katy Hanscomb finished a penalty kick in the 22nd minute. After Warner equalized three minutes later, the Night Hawks scored again in the 51st minute to take the 2-1 victory. 

Goalkeeper Kara Houston made eight saves for the Night Hawks. 

"The seniors really led the way today," added Orlowski. "Captain Katy Hanscomb played tremendous in midfield and converted the PK. Ciera McGriff-Duncan battled through several foul attempts on her assist for captain Anna Gray's game-winning goal. Captain Jen Clyde anchored the defense to hold Warner to one goal." 

The teams traded shots over the first 16 minutes, then a foul by Warner led to Hanscomb's penalty kick, which she converted for TU's first goal. 

Warner answered quickly, tying the match at 24:15. 

Thomas attacked early in the second period, as Gray scored the game-winner off an assist from McGriff-Duncan at 50:27. 

Warner's next five shot attempts over the next 10 minutes were all on goal, and each was saved by Houston. Thomas blocked two more shots in the 75th minute to hold on to the victory. 

With today's schedule change, Thomas is in the midst of a five-game road swing against teams in Florida. With three games down, the Night Hawks next face Johnson & Wales in North Miami, Fla., Oct. 20, then travel to Webber International in Babson Park, Fla., Oct. 24.