After a 10-day break from competition, the Baker University women’s soccer team was ready to step back onto the field.

The Wildcats proved this Wednesday with a 4-3 win against Park University.

“The break was good because we had the chance to work on things and do some planning, but we were all so excited to actually get back on the field and play,” sophomore Shelby Schiraldi said.

Schiraldi and the rest of Baker’s defense stood stout in the first half, allowing the offense to put work in on the Pirate’s half of the field.

In the 23rd minute of the game, Baker forward Finola Corley connected on a goal to put the Wildcats on the board 1-0.

Less than five minutes later, Shalynn Eldredge-McMillan picked up an assist as she found Alexa Fryer right in front of the goal ready to drive the ball past Park goalkeeper Ellen Ghirardi for Baker’s second goal of the night.

Baker ended the first half with a 2-0 lead, but Park wasn’t about to roll over and quit. Pirate forward Juneille Watkins proved this to be true as she recorded a hat trick during the second half of the game.

Watkins wasted little time as she scored her first goal in the first six minutes of the half.

Watkins struck again again in the 71st minute with an assist from teammate Dana Hemmingsen to tie up the ball game.

Baker Orange staff member Jordan Dolbin answered shortly after with an unassisted connection of her own, putting the Wildcats up 3-2.

As the battle continued, Watkins converted a penalty kick in the 83rd minute of the game, tying the score once again.

Dolbin saved Baker from going into overtime with Park, as she picked up her third goal of the season with just 3:03 left in the game.

The Wildcats are now 3-1-1 on the season and unlike their last break, they will have a quick turnaround as they return to play Hastings at 1 p.m. Saturday at Liston Stadium.