ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Seattle Pacific University women's soccer team trailed by two goals against Central Washington on Saturday night until the Falcons scored three second half goals, capped by a game-winner from Marissa Bankey to defeat the Wildcats 3-2 on the road.

"What a game tonight," head coach Arby Busey said. "Both teams played their hearts out!! It took us a long time to get going tonight, and we need to credit CWU for keeping us under wraps throughout the first half."

The Wildcats entered Saturday's match after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Montana State University Billings on Thursday. CWU rode momentum from Thursday into Saturday's match against SPU. Sami Huber scored in the 38th minute and then again in the 49th minute. The Falcons found themselves trailing 2-0 early in the second half.

SPU's experienced players came through when they needed them most. Lauren Forster created a chance for the Falcons that was finished by Jacqueline Blakeley in the 51st minute. Blakeley scored her fifth goal this season, cutting the deficit to one.

In the 74th minute, Marissa Bankey leveled the match at two. Mia Mahaffey sent a corner kick into the box that bounced out to Bankey outside the 18. She sent a laser into the top right corner for her second goal this season.

Bankey wasn't done yet. In the 87th minute, the Falcons had gained possession, and were setting up their attack. Bankey launched it in from 30 yards out. The ball cleared the outstretched arms of the Wildcats' keeper and snuck in just under the top bar.

"We found ourselves as the second half played on and really grew into the game," Busey said. "We have a special group that is capable of special things together. Once we got going, we did some of those things tonight. This game builds momentum for us moving forward."

The Falcons return to Interbay Soccer Stadium on Oct. 5 for a match against Saint Martin's at 4 p.m.