Women’s soccer team begins MIAA play with 2-1 loss to Adrian

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College women's soccer team began Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play with a 2-1 loss to Adrian College today at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet.

Final Score: Adrian 2, Olivet 1
Location: Cutler Athletic Complex; Olivet, Mich.
Records: Olivet 4-3-2 overall, 0-1 MIAA; Adrian 4-4-1 overall, 1-0 MIAA

• The Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute. Caroline Fleming gathered a loose ball in the ball, worked away around a defender and sent a shot into the net at the near post.
• The score stayed 1-0 at halftime.
• The Comets scored the equalizer in the third minute of the second half. Senior Emma Essen gathered a pass from junior Abby Radcliffe, and then rocketed the ball into the goal.
• Olivet had a chance to go ahead in 58th minute. An Adrian player was issued a yellow card for a foul in the box. The Comets missed the resulting penalty kick goal.
• The Bulldogs netted what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 72nd minute when Mya Oleksiak's shot sneaked its way into the goal just past a defender at the far post.
• One final shot in the closing minute of the game was saved by the Adrian goalkeeper.

• Olivet finished the game with nine total shots compared to 11 for Adrian. However, eight of the Comets' shots were on-goal compared to just four for the Bulldogs.
• Essen led the way with three shots.
• Radcliffe had two shots.
• Sophomore Samantha Gifford was the losing keeper. She played all 90 minutes and collected two saves.

• Fleming and Sabrina Weir each recorded four shots.
• Ayverie Giller earned the win in goal. She made seven saves in the complete game performance.

• The Comets are on the road Saturday to face defending MIAA champion Hope College. Game time at the Van Andel Soccer Complex in Holland is noon.