Grace women’s soccer claims fifth straight win
WINONA LAKE, Ind. – The Crossroads League season could not have started better for Grace’s women’s soccer team on Wednesday.
The Lady Lancers (9-1, 1-0 CL) beat Huntington 3-0 at 1st Source Bank Field, stretching the team’s winning streak to five consecutive games.
Grace took an early lead in the match, helping set the tone for the league opener. Allison Vroon was fouled in the penalty box as she rose up for a headed effort, earning a penalty kick.
Shelby Fort stepped up and cleanly netted from the penalty spot in the ninth minute.
The Lady Lancers had the better of possession but could not score a second goal before halftime.
Grace was the clear aggressor to start the second half, keeping the Foresters (3-7, 0-1 CL) on their defensive half of the field.
Anna Kuhl and Aubrey Feipel both had early headers that went wide, and Sacia Hanson had a long-range effort that forced a diving save.
Hanson and Liz Van Wormer were consistent threats offensively for Grace, but Huntington’s goalkeeper Danielle Dehner made several key saves to keep the score 1-0.
Grace eventually broke down the Foresters’ backline midway into the second half. After a strong build up, Feipel found space on the left side of the penalty box and deftly lofted a shot over Dehner’s grasp and into the back of the net.
The third goal of the match came late. Jenni Phillips sent in a sharp cross from the right side of the penalty box and placed a dangerous ball in front of Huntington’s goal. Baylei Peters connected with the cross and volleyed in a goal at the 87:13 mark.
For the match, Grace outshot Huntington 21-12. Van Wormer and Hanson each tried four shots to lead all players.
Bethany Blackwood earned her seventh shutout of the season as Grace’s goalkeeper, saving five shots in 90 minutes.
The Lady Lancers remain at home on Saturday, hosting Goshen at 7 p.m. Saturday’s match will also be Senior Day, honoring the seven-player graduating class.