Offensive Pressure Leads to a Shutout Victory for Delta
Delta controlled the pace early and often, having a 14 shot advantage in the 2-0 shutout victory over the RedHawks.
Looking to build off their six goal performance in the season opening scrimmage against Northwood, Delta came out aggressive against Lake Michigan, controlling the pace for the majority of the game. Selecting the wind at their back for the first half, they immediately set the tone, scoring a goal in the nineteenth minute of the contest. Taylor Farrand sent a beautiful pass through the Red Hawks defense and Skylar Eckert beat the rushing keeper to collect her first collegiate goal.
Skylar Eckert |
Despite the constant pressure from the Lady Pioneers, the Red Hawks goalie made a number of phenomenal saves to keep the game close, as the score was 1-0 in favor of Delta at intermission. On the game, Delta outshot the Lake Michigan 17-3; a big reason why they went on to win the game.
The second half was more of the same as Delta would make some runs toward the net only to be thwarted. In the 65th minute, the Pioneers broke through, however, as Madison Tweddle sent a great through-ball to Paige Renshaw who then broke through the last line of defenders and shot a low pass to beat the keeper.
Kyla Breckenridge |
Lake Michigan continued to fight throughout the second half and mount attacks, however the back line for Delta continued to shut down any real threats. Freshman, Kalyn Breckenridge tallied three saves for the Lady Pioneers and recorded a shutout in her first collegiate game in goal. DC's strong advantage in time of possession aided Breckenridge as they kept the pressure on the Red Hawks for the majority of the afternoon.
"I was extremely pleased with the effort of the girls today," Head Coach Paul Stenglein said after the game." "They did a great job of applying quick pressure defensively and work(ed) to be very creative offensively. This was a great win for us today, and we will now focus on Saturday's game against Ancilla."
Now 1-0, the Lady Pioneers will head to Donaldson, Indiana in their second road test of the season against the Ancilla Chargers. Delta swept Ancilla in 2016 while not allowing a single goal on defense.