RAYMOND – All five goals came in a wild second half as No. 5 Jones College outlasted Hinds 3-2 in the MACCC regular season finale for both sides.
After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, the Bobcats and Eagles combined for five goals in the final period, with Jones doing just enough offensively to escape with the road victory.
Graison Holder scored twice off the bench for the Bobcats, while Abby Duncan added her first collegiate goal and an assist. Brianna Kimbrell also contributed an assist.
The Bobcats controlled much of the offensive action, outshooting Hinds 23-2 overall and holding a 10-2 advantage in shots on goal.
Despite the disparity in opportunities, Hinds made the most of its limited chances, scoring on both of its shots on goal to keep the contest close.
Holder broke the scoreless tie in the 50th minute off an assist from Kimbrell, but Hinds answered less than two minutes later, tying the match at 1-1 on a goal following a corner kick.
Duncan put Jones back in front in the 60th minute with an unassisted goal, only for the Eagles to equalize again on a penalty kick in the 73rd minute.
Holder delivered the decisive strike in the 78th minute, finishing a pass from Duncan to give the Bobcats their third lead of the afternoon and the eventual 3-2 victory.
Darby Ford played all 90 minutes in goal for Jones, while the Hinds goalkeeper was credited with seven saves in the loss.
The win improved Jones to 12-3-1 overall and 8-3 in conference play, while Hinds fell to 7-8-3 and 3-8.
The Bobcats also held a commanding 14-3 advantage in corner kicks, including a 9-1 edge in the opening half.
Jones travels to Mississippi Gulf Coast for an 8 p.m. kick Friday, Oct. 30 in the NJCAA Region 23/Gulf District Quarterfinals.
