Maxwell's goal lifts women's soccer team past Capital, 1-0, in season-opener

Written by Student Assistant Coach Kori Ramirez, edited by SID Geoff Henson

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College women's soccer team opened its 2015 season by hosting Capital (Ohio) University and walked away with a 1-0 win over the Crusaders.

The game started off with high intensity from the Comets, with high pressure being a common theme from Olivet early in the game.  The Comets had a total of 11 shots on goal in the first half with two shots coming from sophomore forward Isabelle Leon, and two shots from freshman forward Emma Essen.

The Comets had many close chances but their goal came in the 28th minute of the first half from sophomore Madeline Maxwell. She took on the center and left defender making a move around each and following with a cheeky touch around the keeper to put in a three-yard goal.

Senior Deanna Zolnoski played a full 90 minutes in net for the Comets with six saves total to round out her first shutout game of the season. Her action varied throughout the game but the best save came from a corner kick from Capital. The ball bobbled but Zolnoski came through with a great front smother save to keep Capital off the board.

The Comets had six shots in the second half with sophomores Miranda Quick and Dominique Giroux, and freshman McKenna Graham all coming in off the bench to keep the pace up.

This win is the first official one for Olivet head coach Kim McGowan. The Comets host Heidelberg (Ohio) this Friday at 5 p.m.