Women’s soccer team beats Albion, 3-1

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

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College women's soccer team moved into sole possession of third-place in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) standings with a 3-1 victory over Albion College this afternoon at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet.

Olivet began the game strong. Although the Britons laid off, the Comets caught on quick and changed their runs to find wings, which allowed crosses in through the middle. Olivet found its first scoring opportunity at the 18 minute mark where freshman Emma Essen followed in a shot by sophomore Madeline Maxwell. The Albion goalkeeper bobbled the ball which Essen pounced on and got a quick touch to bury the shot in the back of the net.

The Britons bounced back quickly. With a ball that shot out to the corner, Albion found an opportunity with a cross and a small hit which just snuck past senior goalkeeper Deanna Zolnoski in the 25th minute. The Comets led the first half in shots with a total of five compared to three for the Britons.

The second half saw Olivet continue with the same pace it had in the first half which again led them opportunities on goal. Defensively the Comets took their space and won tackles as well as 50/50 balls in the air. Senior Jeanette Fisher kept the back lines communication up and allowed minimal shots from the Britons.

Olivet found its second goal in the 52nd minute of the game when Maxwell crossed the ball into the box where sophomore Isabelle Leon dove and put a head onto the ball and past the keeper. Albion pushed forward trying to catch the Comets on their heels but their attempts did not work.

In the 77th minute, the whistle blew for an Olivet free kick. Sophomore Emily Reinecke stepped up to take the kick where the goalie was unable to control the ball on the shot and Fisher shot the ball into the back of the net for her first goal of the season and only the second of her career. The Comets ended the second half with nine shots to Albion's five, with Maxwell and senior Lauren Vanderhoff adding shots to this total.

Senior Deanna Zolnoski played all 90 minutes in goal for the Comets and had three saves.

Olivet travels to Grand Rapids next Tuesday, Sept. 29, to take on the Calvin College Knights for a key MIAA contest at 4 p.m.

NOTES: Leon has now scored the game-winning goal in the last six Comet wins. She entered the day tied for the NCAA lead, among all levels, and men and women, in game-winning tallies.