Snior defender Michelle Gibbons connected on a free kick with 10:25 remaining to lead the University of Mary Washington women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Wilkes University on Sunday afternoon in the finale of the UMW Soccer Classic at the Battleground. The Eagles improve to 4-2 on the season.

The first half was an exciting back-and-forth, with both teams having ample opportunities. The Eagles had a rapid fire series of chances saved in the opening minutes, but were turned away. Wilkes went ahead at 19:05 as Micaela Oliverio scored on a Shelby Trumbo assist, and the Colonels led at halftime, 1-0.

The Eagles came out strong in the second half, and tied the score at 1-1 when freshman Christiana Meyers scored on a cross from junior Maryfay Jackson. UMW gained the decisive score at 79:35. The Eagles had a free kick at midfield, but the played ball caused another whistle just outside the penalty area. Gibbons took the direct kick and ripped it into the top far corner, giving UMW a lead it would hold onto the rest of the way.

Mary Washington led in shots, 14-11, while Wilkes led in corner kicks, 9-4. Freshman goalie Haley Randall had three saves for the Eagles, while Kate Mahoney had six saves for Wilkes.

The Eagles will be back in action again on Wednesday when they host third ranked Messiah College at 5:00 p.m.