All You Need is One, Delta Extends the Win Streak to 4.
After an even game, one goal proved to be the difference, pushing the Lady Pioneer win streak to 4 to start the season.
Looking to extend their early season win streak to four, number 11 Delta traveled to Conference rival Jackson, for what turned out to be a great game. Statistically the game was as even as could be, with the shots on goal for both sides totaling six, and the time of possession nearly being the same as well.
After a scoreless first half that featured Jackson controlling the advantage at the midfield, Delta had to make adjustments to bring the advantage in their favor. The change in positional formation and also a determination to win as many 50/50 balls as possible, changed the composure of the Lady Pioneers and set the tone for the second half/
Just four minutes into the second half, Madison Tweddle sent a pass to the foot of Madison Jewell who put a three-touch shot over the head of the Jets keeper, launching Delta to a 1-0 lead.
10 minutes later, Delta would shift into a double holding mid scheme, making it more difficult for Jackson to create offensive attacks. The Lady Pioneers would continue to come close with scoring chances but would be turned away. The second goal would prove to be unnecessary, as Delta would pick up the fourth consecutive conference victory to open the season with a final score of 1-0. Not lost in the outing was the great play in net by Freshman Kalyn Breckenridge. She recorded six big saves, each one of them bigger than the one before it, preserving the shutout for Delta. This marked her third shutout in four conference games this season.
"I am extremely proud of these young ladies," Head Coach Paul Stenglein said after the game. "They came in determined to win a tough and critical game on the road, and they accomplished that task. My Delta Daughters have matured as a team so well. We have an extremely composed defensive group that has let in just one goal in the four conference games. The offensive group has been creative and productive, and that is so important if we are going to continue our winning streak."
Up next for Delta, is a road matchup with the #9 ranked team in the NJCAA, Schoolcraft College. "We have high respect for Schoolcraft, and our game with them next week," Stenglein said. "However we feel we are capable of playing with that team and are prepared to come away another exciting road win." A season ago, Schoolcraft swept both of the matchups with the Lady Pioneers.