Women’s soccer team comes up short at Calvin, 3-1

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

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.  – The Olivet College women's soccer team came up short against Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association co-leader Calvin College, 3-1, today at Zuidema Field in Grand Rapids.

The Comets started the game equal with the Knights. With possession continuing to go both ways, it was a constant battle back and forth for control of the ball. The Knights had a dynamic offense which put the Olivet on its heels, giving up 10 shots the first half.

The Comets stole the first goal of the match when sophomore Isabelle Leon got past the Calvin defense and rocked a shot in near post in the 21st minute. Calvin was looking to penetrate and in the 36th minute, Brianna Russell found the left corner past senior goalkeeper Deanna Zolnoski for the equalizer right before half.

Senior Lauren Vanderhoff and sophomore Miranda Quick both put shots on goal for Olivet but did not find success in the second half. The back and forth possession continued and the Knights found a gap on a corner in the 71st minute to put them up by one, 2-1.

Although Olivet tried to close the gaps with subs coming off the bench, it never connected for another goal. After a foul in the box in the 85th minute, Calvin put the game away with a penalty kick just past the fingertips of Zolnoski.

Zolnoski played at 90 minutes in goal and had a total of five saves.

Olivet closes out the first half of its MIAA schedule Saturday when Kalamazoo College visits the Cutler Athletic Complex for a 2:30 p.m. Homecoming contest.