Sophomore Lee Ann Felder blocks an Illinois Wesleyan University shot on Sept. 1. Felder set up junior Julie Tembukiart’s game-winning goal against No. 4 William Smith College on Sunday. (Daniel Eicholtz | Student Life)

With 44 seconds to go, Washington University sophomore Lee Ann Felder’s game-winning attempt was smothered by William Smith’s goalkeeper Amanda Davis. Six seconds later, Felder and Davis watched from the ground as the ball popped loose into the air and Wash. U. junior Julie Tembunkiart headed in the game winner.

Tembunkiart’s second career goal defeated preseason No. 4 William Smith on Sunday, snapped a two-game losing streak and gave the then-No. 8 Bears their first win of the season.

“It meant a lot to finally put away that goal for the team,” Tembunkiart said.

Although not officially credited in the box score, sophomore Rachel Haas’ throw-in landed right in the box, giving the Bears an opportunity to score.

The game could have ended differently, as an 86th minute shot at an open Wash. U. goal was cleared by a Wash. U. defender. Felder credits sophomores Alyssa Marulli, Natalie Callaghan and senior Libby Held on their defensive efforts, despite playing the majority of the weekend’s games.

Nearly 30 minutes prior, William Smith’s Renee Jensen connected on a cross, putting the Herons up 1-0 in the second half. Less than a minute later, senior Caryn Rosoff dribbled the ball down the field and set up sophomore Emma Brown with a cross for a game-tying goal.

“We were keeping possession of the ball and taking it to them,” Tembunkiart said. “We just have to find the back of the net.”

The Red and Green held a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks but trailed 6-5 in shots on goal. Freshman goalkeeper Clara Jacques had three saves in her first collegiate win.

The Bears were bouncing back from a 1-0 loss to No. 6 Johns Hopkins University. In that game, Marulli was called for a foul after clearing the ball from the box. Johns Hopkins midfielder Natalie Held, twin sister of Libby Held, converted the penalty kick, shooting to Jacques’ left. Jacques had four saves in the loss as the Bears committed 17 fouls.

The scoring problems of Wash. U. may soon be over as the Bears adjust to their 3-4-3 formation. According to Felder, the offensive unit includes herself, Rosoff and Brown, none of whom are traditionally forwards.

“We haven’t become one,” Felder said. “We’re all saying it’s coming.”

No. 20 Wash. U. will host the Washington University Classic on Friday, facing No. 21 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at 7 p.m. on Francis Field, followed by Grinnell College at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Both Felder and Tembunkiart look forward to facing CMS, as last year’s game featured a four-goal Wash. U. comeback within a nine-minute period.

“We’re just getting better and better,” Felder said.