News Story

First-Half Goal Dooms Grace

9/1/10

ADRIAN, Mich. -- A goal in the 22nd minute was all the cushion Siena Heights needed on Wednesday against Grace's women's soccer team as the Lady Lancers (2-2) lost 0-1.

A misplayed clearance by Grace's defense yielded a Lady Saint (0-1) goal from the top of the 18. Siena Heights outplayed Grace in the first half, taking 16 shots compared to four for the Lady Lancers.

The Lady Lancers responded with an offensive outburst in the second half, managing 12 shots after halftime but were unable to come up with the equalizer.

Grace was playing with "a heavy heart," according to head coach Michael Voss, because of the passing of assistant coach Amy Abbitt's mother on Tuesday. Abbitt graduated from Grace in May and is in her first year on the coaching staff.

"Our heart is with our extended family of Grace," Voss said. "We were definitely distracted in the first half, and it's just unfortunate that we could not net a goal."

All in all, Siena Heights outshot Grace 27-16 on the day. Grace had eight corners to seven for Siena and had six fewer fouls than the Lady Saints (11 to 17). Siena Heights also picked up a pair of yellow cards within two minutes of each other in the second half.

Jocelyn Evans (4 shots, 2 shots on goal) and Natalie Anderson (3 shots, 2 shots on goal) led the Lady Lancer offensive attack. Sophomore Abigail Burns had a big day in goal, totaling 10 saves in 90 minutes.

"We made another good stride forward today," Voss continued. "I'm proud of the women for representing the Lord well today."

The Lady Lancers return to action at home on Saturday at 4 p.m. The game against Aquinas University will be broadcast online. You can access the link here.