The women's soccer squad split its matches last weekend, falling 1-0 to Case Western Reserve University in Ohio on Sunday due to a deflected strike with only two minutes to go. However, the team enjoyed success closer to home Thursday, defeating Babson College 2-1 at Hartwell-Rogers Field.

The Judges now sit at 5-7 overall and are winless in both of their University Athletic Association contests.

"[The result] was pretty disappointing," said midfielder Alyssa Fenenbock '15.

"We weren't connecting well," added fellow midfielder Madeline Stein '14. "Thursday [against Babson] we were stringing passes together well; today we just weren't."

In last Sunday's matchup, the Judges squared off against the Spartans, who sat at 8-1-2 before the contest. Despite lacking home advantage, Brandeis came flying out of the gate, as Case senior net-minder Anna Kennedy was forced to make three saves within the first 15 minutes.

As the game wore on, the hosts—who were initially on the proverbial back foot—began to create opportunities, outshooting Brandeis 10-3 after the first 15 minutes. Despite efforts from Stein and fellow midfielders Mimi Theodore '12 and Alanna Torre '12, as well as a solid second half from goalkeeper Michelle Savuto '15, the Pioneers stole the game with just two minutes remaining. Senior back Laura Gabster fed sophomore midfielder Leah Levy, whose shot took a deflection off a defender on its way past Savuto to give Case a vital win.

Unlike the matchup against the Pioneers, Brandeis had no trouble getting on the board early against the Beavers. Theodore won the ball on the right flank. Seeing a bit of space, she cut in toward the center of the pitch before firing into the far corner from 12 yards to get the visitors off to a good start.

Brandeis would double its advantage 15 minutes later. A corner from midfielder Alec Spivack '15 was flicked on by back Kelly Peterson '14 to Torre, who rifled home from eight yards to provide a two-goal cushion with less than 16 minutes gone.

"We really dominated the first half," said back Ali Theodore '12. "We were getting in behind their attackers and had great intensity."

The visitors evened the scoreline with 25 minutes remaining. Junior forward Amy Festa whipped in a cross from the left wing toward the back post, where classmate Ashley Tourso found the net with a half-volley.

Smelling blood, Babson continued to apply the pressure and almost grabbed an equalizer with 59 seconds to play, as junior midfielder Kelly Hanly's corner kick found the head of sophomore half-back Meghan Andrew. Thankfully for the Judges, Savuto—who tallied three saves after replacing Francine Kofinas '13 at the half—plucked the ball out of the air. From there, Brandeis ran out the clock, sealing the one-goal victory.

As the Judges head deeper into the season, the pressure to notch a first conference win continues to grow. Brandeis will get another chance to earn that elusive UAA win Friday night against the University of Chicago, who sit at 6-3-1 on the year. Regardless, confidence remains high within the Brandeis camp.

"We lost to [Chicago] last year, but we're ready to go for this one," Stein said.