Wednesday, September 10, 2008

ONU Over Ohio Wesleyan 3-1

Our women's soccer team came out with a 3-1 victory when we traveled to regionally ranked OWU Tuesday evening. It was an extremely physical match and a great game to be a part of. There was a lot of good soccer from both teams early on. We were able to get the first goal of the match off a corner kick from Kaitlin Sanders. She played a great ball in and found Chelsea Albert in the middle of the penalty; Chelsea climbed up and headed the ball past the OWU goal keeper for her 2nd goal of the season. Both teams had some good chances in the first half. Freshman Kristen Dewees played well in goal, only being tested a few times. We went into the break leading 1-0.

Sophmore Lauren Roberts came into the game for us in goal and OWU was quick to apply early pressure in the 2nd half, getting some very good opportunities. Our defense held strong until late in the game as OWU capitalized on a corner of their own. We were quick to respond when Kristin Reininger sent in a 45 yard freek kick straight into the penalty area, both team's players went up to challenge the ball, but everyone missed and the ball found the back of the net. It was the first goal of Kristin's career, even though she has started every single match since her freshman year! Just 33 seconds later, Erin Stapp received a pass from Allie Nichol. Erin then beat her defender, got to the endline, and served a great pass to a waiting Katie Kinkelaar, who smashed the ball into the back of the net for the final goal of the match. Building up to our last two goals, Lauren made some great saves to keep OWU from getting any closer to our lead.

It was a very exciting game to be a part of, as a player and a coach. Ohio Wesleyan is a great team and a very tough NCAC opponent. The game was pretty intense and a game our team looks forward to each year. I felt we played the best we have building up to this game and I expect us to keep improving. We had some great individual performances which really helped us get a great win for our team.

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