Women's soccer team defeats Alma, 3-2, in MIAA-opener

The Olivet College women's soccer team opened its Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) schedule with a 3-2 win against Alma College today in Olivet.

Alma (2-5, 0-1 MIAA) led 1-0 at halftime behind a goal by Kelly Walsh at the 25:45 mark. Olivet (3-5, 1-0 MIAA) tied the game in the 57th minute when freshman Ashley Barron (Montrose/Hill-McCloy) found the back of the net on a shot from five yards out. Senior Kelli McKee (Canton) assisted on the goal.

Sophomore Cori Barrera (East Lansing) put Olivet up 2-1 on a penalty kick goal at the 81:26 mark. With 4:04 remaining in the game, sophomore Katie Wolf (Marshall) scored what proved to be the game-winning goal. Barrera was credited with an assist for her team-leading ninth point of the 2006 season. Fifty seconds later, Tara Fitzsimmons tallied a goal for the Scots, but they would not get any closer.

For the game, Olivet had a 16-6 advantage in shots, including a 11-6 edge in shots on-goal. Barrera led the way with six shots. Senior Kristin Dickinson (Cadillac) had three shots. In goal, sophomore Kellie O'Dowd (Jackson) made two saves.

The Comets will take a break from MIAA play when they host Manchester (Ind.) College Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 4 p.m.