Delta Beats Owens, Returns to .500

University Center, MI – Exactly one month ago, Delta soccer coach Paul Stenglein knew his girls were better than they played as they dropped a 2-0 decision to Owens Community College.  On Sunday, the Pioneers proved their coach was right as they doubled up the express in a 4-2 win on the field at Delta College.

Playing in a stiff wind all day, neither team was able to advance the ball quickly against the breeze but as Delta adjusted to short, quick passes their offense came to life.  In the 13^th minute of play, the Pioneers worked in small quarters inside the eighteen until Gabrielle Helpap took a controlled shot off a pass from Gabrielle Sake and beat the goalie into the corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.

In the 24^th minute, Lindsay Dornseifer upped the lead to 2-0 in favor of Delta courtesy of a penalty kick and that's where the score remained heading in to halftime.

Going against the wind for the entire second half, the Pioneers continued to pass to feet and control the ball on the ground which led to continued scoring opportunities. Still holding on to a 2-0 lead in the 49^th minute, Gabby Raines lofted a perfect short from 25 yards out that cleared the Owens keeper to the far post for a 3-0 DC lead. Kaitlyn Begley had the assist. 

Things got interesting from there as Owens scored back-to-back goals in the 55^th and 65^th minutes of the game to close the gap to 3-2.  But the Pioneers were able to respond with a goal off the foot of Leah Johnson as she beat the goalie with a one-on-one attack for the final tally, 4-2.

"I was really pleased with the higher intensity today, and the way that the team committed to win the first ball," said Delta Coach Paul Stenglein.  "They worked hard to battle for the front ball and keep Owens from having extended times of possession.  I heard a lot of very good communication, and it seemed like the team was playing like a coordinated unit."

With the win, Delta is now 6-6 on the year and in a three-way tie for third place in Region XII with Muskegon and Owens, each with 18 points.  Schoolcraft sits atop the region with 36 points followed by Cincinnati State with 24.  The top four in the region qualify for the post-season so two of the three teams tied for third will decide their fate as the final two weeks of the regular season approach. 

"We need to continue to work hard, and win our last two regional games," said Stenglein. "If we do that, we have a good chance on making it into the tournament."