RIDGELAND, Miss. — Just days after a tough loss to rival Gulf Coast, the No. 16 Pearl River women's soccer team delivered the perfect response.
On the road against No. 3 Holmes, the Wildcats not only handed the Bulldogs their first loss of the 2025 season, but also became the first team to score against them — walking away with a thrilling 2-1 victory
"What an absolutely amazing response," head coach Henrik Madsen said. "I think we just weren't ready for the Gulf Coast game, but the good thing about this group is that they want it and they respond. They battled their tails off for 90 minutes today.
"This is the most important week for us this season. After last week, we had to regroup and get ready for game one this week. Now we have to do the same for game two on Friday."
Pearl River (6-1 overall; 2-1 MACCC) opened the scoring in the 27th minute thanks to the relentless hustle of Addy Grace Alexander (Poplarville). The Wildcat press had Holmes (7-1; 2-1) under pressure, forcing a misplayed pass back toward the keeper. Alexander, reading the moment perfectly, darted in front, stole possession, and calmly slotted the ball into the net to put PRCC ahead 1-0.
The goal not only gave the Wildcats momentum but also marked the first time Holmes had trailed all season.
The Bulldogs showed their quality in the second half, equalizing in the 62nd minute. A lofted ball into the box was met by a soaring Holmes forward, whose header looped over the Wildcat keeper and into the back of the net, tying the match 1-1.
From that point on, the game turned into a tense, physical battle. Both teams traded attacking runs and defensive stands as the clock wound down, with each side desperate for a breakthrough.
That breakthrough finally came in the 87th minute — and in spectacular fashion. After Julia Hoffman (Bay St. Louis; Our Lady Academy) broke down the right wing, she whipped in a perfect cross toward the middle of the box. Holly Jones (Liverpool, England), sprinting in from her midfield position, launched herself forward and met the ball with a diving header that rocketed past the Holmes keeper.
The late goal sent the Wildcats' sideline into a frenzy as Pearl River retook the lead, 2-1.
"It was a world class goal," Madsen said. "That's a special play from Holly. She wanted to win that play and she wanted to win the match. Just a brilliant goal."
The Wildcats held firm in the closing minutes to secure the statement win.
NEXT UP
The Wildcats return home Friday for another pivotal matchup, hosting rival Jones College at 5 p.m.
TICKETS
Tickets for the 2025 Pearl River soccer season are available now at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets. Advance-purchase tickets are $8, while gameday tickets are $10.
TUNE IN
The Wildcats will once again livestream all home games for free at PRCCMedia.com. Fans with Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV devices can also watch by downloading the "Pearl River CC" channel from their app store.
For the latest on Pearl River Community College athletics, follow us on X (@PRCCAthletics) and Facebook (PRCCAthletics).
