After battling through a scoreless first half, the Barton Community College women's soccer team couldn't hold off Hutchinson Community College's second half push, falling 2-0 Wednesday night at the Salthawk Sports Complex.
The setback drops the Cougars to 3-4-0 at the conclusion of the first path through the conference slate and 6-5-0 overall, while the receiving votes Blue Dragons improve to 3-2-1 in league play and 6-2-1 on the season. Barton will open the second half of conference play Sunday with a 3:00 p.m. kickoff against Seward County Community College at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City.
Hutchinson broke through just four minutes into the second half action, as Isabela Puccinelli's initial shot attempt was turned way but cleaned up on the rebound by Beatrice Sales for the opening goal. The Blue Dragons doubled the margin in the 66th minute, with Puccinelli again providing the service finding Poppy Smith inside the box for a converted 1v1 opportunity and the 2-0 cushion.
Despite owning a 15-12 shot advantage and quality chances from Ayaka Nagano, Katie Potter and Saki Takaki, Barton couldn't solve Hutchinson keeper Evie Carvell, who finished with six saves in the winning effort. Cougar goalkeeper Leonie Chambe kept Barton within reach with seven saves of her own, including five in the second half.