CALEDONIA, Mich. — Davenport women's soccer battled through a second-half comeback from Northern Michigan before
Ryan Whitford delivered the game-winning goal to secure a 3-2 victory on Thursday. Whitford scored twice, including her first collegiate goal and the decisive strike in the 82nd minute, as the Panthers improved to 9-4-4 overall and 7-4-2 in GLIAC play.
Davenport came out strong, striking twice in just over a minute to take control early. Natalie Vance opened the scoring at 17:00, finishing a pass from Isabella Workman. Whitford followed at 18:06, finding the back of the net off an assist from Autumn Wakefield to record her first collegiate goal and give the Panthers a 2-0 advantage.
Northern Michigan responded with goals from Madison Bilbia and Lily Senese to erase Davenport's lead and send the teams into halftime tied at 2-2. The Panthers continued to push for an opening in the second half, generating four shots and a corner kick between the 49th and 66th minutes. Elizabeth Wolter also made a save in the 77th minute to keep the match level.
With the game still tied late, Whitford stepped up once again. At 81:48, she scored her second goal of the afternoon to put Davenport ahead 3-2. Whitford's two-goal performance proved to be the difference as the Panthers held on for the victory.
Whitford finished with two goals on three shots, putting two attempts on target. Vance added a goal on two shots, both on target, while Workman and Wakefield each recorded an assist.
Davenport will close out its 2026 season on Saturday, Oct. 31, hosting Michigan Tech at noon at Pappas Stadium. Currently ranked No. 3 in the GLIAC standings, the Panthers will look to finish strong and secure a position to host the GLIAC Tournament.
