Pioneers Improve to 2-0 with Win Over Red Hawks

Benton Harbor, MI – For the second consecutive game the Delta College women's soccer team took a long road trip to play an early season MCCAA opponent.  And, for the second consecutive game, the Lady Pioneer's came away with a dominating victory as they defeated the Lake Michigan Red Hawks 4-1.  The win propels their record to 2-0 overall and in league play on the season. 

Just as they did against Ancilla College to open the season, the Pioneers came out playing with high intensity right from the start of the game, using a controlled passing attack to work the ball up the field.  A lofted ball was sent at the twenty-five-minute mark into Kaitlyn Begley who then headed it to the foot of Brianna Redmond.  Redmond then sent a well-placed ball into the near post corner of the goal to give DC a 1-0 lead.

While the Pioneers continued to volley shots on goal, Lake Michigan keeper Hailey Neudeck continued to keep Delta out of the net.  But with five minutes remaining in the half, a deep ball was dropped 8 yards off the Delta end line mid goal where Gillian Carroll collected the ball and sent a hard shot past Neudeck to give the Pioneers a two goal lead heading into the half.

"Lake Michigan was using a long ball attack to their top forwards," said Delta co-head coach Gary Stenglein.  "Our midfielders and backs did an excellent job on stepping up to win the front ball and immediately regain possession of the game to restart our offensive attack."

In the second half, Delta continued to possess the ball through the midfield while Lake Michigan continued to use a long ball to find their forwards.  DC would strike once again, however, when at the 54-minute mark Nicole Hill found Leah Johnson with a slotted through pass and Leah found a pocket between the keeper and the post to make it 3-0 in favor of the visitors. 

Aleisha Jones ended the scoring for Delta when she fought for possession of a ball off the foot of a Red Hawk defender and beat the keeper one-on-one with a low shot to the near post.  Lake Michigan scored a late goal to end the scoring at 4-1.

"The team is playing very well, especially for being so early in the season," said Stenglein.  "I am extremely pleased in their effort in practices and games, and their willingness to work extra hard defensively.  My backs and midfielders are many of our unsung heroes these past two games." 

Delta will host #11 nationally ranked Schoolcraft on Wednesday August 31^st for their home opener.  Start time is 4pm.