COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University women's soccer team fell by a final score of 2-1 to open the season at the hands of visiting Hanover College on Friday evening. Capital's lone goal came from senior and 2023 leading scorer Grace Estes, while freshman Bella Leonetti recorded her first career assist on the goal.  

The Comets got off to a bit of a slow start in the match, falling behind in the ninth minute off a quality goal from Hanover's Clara Finneseth. 

From the Panthers' goal, Capital began to settle into the game and see some sharp chances with Mayci Sayre having some good looks at goal prior to halftime. Despite the chance, Capital was held to the 1-0 deficit at the break. 

Again, in the second half, Capital saw some great opportunities to level, but two hard shots from Rachel Austin sailed just over the bar. 

The pressure eventually paid off for the Comets as Grace Estes leveled the score in the 68th minute on a deflected strike to the lower left corner. Estes took a crossfield pass from freshman Bella Leonetti and on her second touch struck a low shot that deflected past the goalie to make it 1-1. 

Despite the leveled score, Hanover regained their composure and found another goal in the 71st as Morgan Castiglione finished a rebound after a strong save from Liv Alford in the Comet goal on the initial shot. 

Through the final 19 minutes, Capital saw their chances to even the score again, with the two best chances coming off the feet of Estes and Avery Hart. Hanover's goalie made quality saves to deny both opportunities. 

Through the play of their goalkeeper and good game management, Hanover held on for the 2-1 win to open the season. 

In the end, Capital's goalie Liv Alford ended with five saves in goal, while Hanover's Emma Patterson finished with three saves, but none bigger than the two on Estes and Hart late on. 

The Comets have a quick turnaround as they will travel to nearby Denison University on Sunday, September 1st for a noon kickoff.