Women’s soccer team drops close 1-0 game at Hope

Written by student assistant coach Kori Ramirez, edited by SID Geoff Henson

HOLLAND, Mich. – The Olivet College women's soccer team lost 1-0 to Hope College today at the Van Andel Soccer Complex in Holland.

The first half of the game was evenly played between both teams. Both the Comets and Flying Dutch were finding feet and getting opportunities on goal. Olivet kept Hope in front and kept its shots on goal in the first half to only three. Seniors Jeanette Fisher and Megan Peplinski held the back line together and shut the Flying Dutch down offensively. Their best chance came on a shot which curved toward front post but senior Deanna Zolnoski came up big for the Comets with a dive to tip the ball just past the front post.

The Comets best opportunity in the first half came from left back Sydney Reichenbaugh who had a one touch shot which just missed the top corner. Others who saw opportunities were sophomore Madeline Maxwell, Isabelle Leon and freshman Lydia Vargas.

The second half was played out almost like the first, and equal hard fights to find the first goal. Both teams pressed hard and were searching for open players up top to create opportunities. Hope found its chance in the 81st minute off a corner which was recycled out from a cross where the ball was punched it into the back of the net.

The Comets did not allow this goal to get them down. After drawing a foul on Hope, senior Megan Peplinski came forward to take the kick where she found sophomore Emily Reinecke's head. The Flying Dutch goalkeeper got a finger on the shot to just keep it out of the net.

Zolnoski played all 90 minutes in goal with a total of 10 saves.

The Comets will travel to Trine (Ind.) University next Wednesday, Sept. 23. Game time is 4 p.m.