SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Freshman Joelle Purinton notched the game-winning score in the 80th minute of action as the Anderson women's soccer team notched its second straight victory with a hard-fought 2-1 win past homestanding Converse Saturday night at Hayden Abeny Fulp Field. The Trojans controlled tempo in the opening half, getting quality attacks down the left flank from Ashley Cotton, Jessica Kleinberg and Carrie Settle. AU's defensive back three prevented anything from getting back to Trojan goalkeeper Kelli Whitfield, who recorded two saves in the contest. AU was unable to capitalize on two scoring opportunities in the first half - both on through balls - one from Larissa Fedorowich to Kleinberg, and another from Adrienne Lough to Ashley Cotton, but both were thwarted Converse keeper Ashley Mercuri. Neither team found the back of the net in the first half, but increased pressure from the Trojans in the second frame resulted in more quality chances. Cotton hit the crossbar off a 20-yard bullet which bounced down into the run of Settle, whose first-time strike rattled off the right post and came right back at her. Her second attempt, a powerful header, just missed high. The Trojans got on the scoreboard off a perfectly played through ball from Catherine Thomas behind the Converse defenders to Kleinberg, who dribbled the keeper and placed a left-footed finish in the back of the net at the 62:52 mark. The goal by Kleinberg was the fourth in two matches for the forward. Nearly 17 minutes later, Purinton collected her first career game-winner as a Trojan off a penalty kick as the result of a hard tackle, while Converse's Jana Getry answered quickly for the Valkyries. But the AU defense held firm for the win. "I am happy with the win and feel we are finally starting to put together more complete efforts," said Anderson head coach Jason Dowiak. "We have set ourselves up to make a strong run through the rest of conference play and are showing good confidence on both sides of the ball." Anderson held a 17-4 advantage in shots and keeper Kelli Whitfield recorded two saves on the night, while the Trojans forced Converse goalie Ashley Mercuri to tally seven total saves. A total of seven cards, five yellow and two red, were issued in the physical second half of action, as Anderson improved to 3-6 overall and evened its Conference Carolinas' record at 3-3, while Converse fell to 3-9, 1-4 Converse Carolinas) Anderson will get back on the pitch Monday, in its second of four matches in an eight-day span, when the Trojans visit North Georgia College in a make-up of a match that was rained out in mid-September. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the NGCSU Soccer Complex.