Women’s soccer team advances to MIAA Tournament championship game
The Olivet College women’s soccer team has advanced to the championship game of the 2017 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament. Adrian and the Comets played to a 0-0 double overtime draw but Olivet moves on courtesy of a 5-4 penalty kick shootout win.
November 2, 2017
OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College women's soccer team has advanced to the championship game of the 2017 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Tournament. Adrian and the Comets played to a 0-0 double overtime draw but Olivet moves on courtesy of a 5-4 penalty kick shootout win.
THE BASICS
Final Score: Olivet 0, Adrian 0 (2OT), Comets advance on penalty kicks, 5-4
Location: Cutler Athletic Complex; Olivet, Mich.
Records: Adrian 13-5-3 overall, Olivet 13-6-1 overall
HOW IT HAPPENED
- In the first half, the Comets' best chance to score came in the 39th minute when senior Isabelle Leon rocketed a shot that was punched over the cross bar by the keeper.
- The Bulldogs had a couple scoring chances in the second half but each time freshman Samantha Gifford saved the shot.
- Olivet had eight shots in the final 16 minutes of the second half but none found the back of the net.
- In the first overtime period, Adrian fired two shots-on-goal while the Comets' only shot was a header which went over the cross bar.
- Both teams took two shots in the second overtime session.
- In the shootout, the first four Comets – Leon, sophomore Abby Radcliffe, junior McKenna Graham and junior Emma Essen – and the first four Bulldogs scored to even the score at 4-4. Senior Rachael Durocher missed her attempt wide of the goal. Adrian's next player had the opportunity to win the shootout but her shot was smothered by Gifford. Junior Ann Fetzer scored to put Olivet ahead 5-4. The Bulldogs' player had a chance to continue the shootout but her shot was turned aside by Gifford.
FOR THE COMETS
- Olivet finished the game with a 15-12 advantage in total shots. Both teams had six shots-on-goal.
- Essen led the way with five shots, including a pair on-frame.
- Durocher, Leon and senior Miranda Quick each recorded two shots.
- Gifford was brilliant in goal, playing all 110 minutes and making six saves.
FOR THE BULLDOGS
- Caroline Fleming registered three of the Adrian shots.
- Averie Giller also collected six saves in goal.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Olivet will play in the MIAA Tournament championship game for the first time since 1998.
- Before the game, it was announced that Leon was the MIAA Most Valuable Player, and Essen joined her in earning first-team All-MIAA honors.
UP NEXT
- Olivet will face Hope College in the championship game on Saturday at Van Andel Soccer Stadium in Holland. The game will start at noon. Hope defeated Calvin College, 1-0, in the other semifinal game.