Because Bryn Mawr returns nine starters from last year's Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland B Conference championship team, the Mawrtians expect to do well again this season.
After four victories in their first five games, including a 2-1 victory over archrival Roland Park Country School on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at Mount Washington field, there's no reason to think those expectations are unrealistic.
University of Maryland recruit Riley Barger scored the go-ahead goal with 23 seconds remaining in the first half for Bryn Mawr.
Erica Matz slotted a ball to Barger on the left side, and the senior defender beat senior goalie Betsy Angel, who finished with nine saves for the Reds.
Just as they did in last November's bitter 2-1 setback to Bryn Mawr in the B Conference final, the Reds took an early 1-0 advantage. This time, Beth Kelly headed Toby Dubin's corner kick past Mawrtian sophomore keeper Zoe Derrickson 6:18 into play to put Roland Park on top.
"You are thrilled when that your team doesn't collapse when it's down," Bryn Mawr coach Tina Steck said. "That comes from a lot of the experience of the veteran players, the juniors and seniors."
Just two minutes later, the Mawrtians notched the equalizer when freshman forward Maddie Stuzin streaked behind the Reds' defense to tap in her own rebound of a shot that caromed off the post.
With momentum on its side, Bryn Mawr grabbed the lead for good behind its star player in the 40th minute.
"There's always that five minutes after a goal that you really want to stay focused," Roland Park coach Kevin Cooper said. "We lost that very quickly after we scored. It's a long, emotional physical game when these two teams play."
In the second half, Mawrtian defenders Kassandra Bowling, Nancy Dunbar, Tess Moran and Abby Del Guercio made the lead stand, despite being under duress during the Reds' comeback bid.