Women’s soccer team ties Alma, 1-1, in first round of MIAA Tournament

The Olivet College women's soccer team tied Alma College, 1-1, in a first round game of the 2008 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament today at Scotland Yard in Alma. However, the Scots advance to the second round by virtue of a 4-3 win in a shootout.

Alma took a 1-0 lead with a goal in the 40th minute. The Comets tied the game at 1-1 in the 53rd minute when senior Kellie O'Dowd (Jackson) made a penalty kick goal. Each team had two chances to win the game in the overtime sessions.

The Scots elected to go first in the shootout. Alma went ahead 2-0 before freshmen Lizzy Julian (Mattawan) and Faith Hatt (Rochester Hills/Rochester Adams) tied the shootout at 2-2 on the Comets' second and third attempts. Both teams made their attempts in the fourth round, with sophomore Cara Underwood (Holland) making Olivet's try. After the Scots took a 4-3 lead, the Comets' chance to tie the game was saved by the Alma keeper.

The Comets finished the game with nine shots, including three for Julian and two for Hatt. Sophomore keeper Sarah Westen (Grand Ledge) played all 110 minutes in goal and collected seven saves.

Olivet finishes the 2008 campaign with a 7-9-2 overall record. Julian led the Comets with 35 points (16 goals and three assists). Hatt had 23 points (eight goals and seven assists).