Whitney Bunch played a solid game in the back

The Grace Tigers traveled to Mount Mary College on Saturday afternoon to take on the Blue Angels and achieved another school milestone.  The ladies put forth a hard fought effort while taking the 1-0 win.  The entire game was back and forth with both teams having their scoring chances.  In the end Joanne Coffey netted a well placed ball in the lower corner of the net with 15 minutes to play in the first half.  That goal stood for the next 60 minutes as the Tigers battled to keep the Blue Angels off the scoreboard.  The game had a low shot total for both teams as the majority of the game was played in the middle third of the field.  Grace ended with 5 shots on goals as did Mount Mary.  Kerie Rudd made 5 saves in net for the Tigers on the way to her 3 clean sheet of the season.

Olivia Rigg pressuring the ball

“I have to applaud our girls for the effort they displayed today,” said Coach Vissia after the match.  “We only had 11 players, no subs, and it was an 80 degree day.  I know there were times when the girls just wanted to give up but they refused to break down.  It wasn’t a pretty win, but I’m thrilled with their heart.”  The Tigers had several opportunities to go up two on the home team but couldn’t manage to consistently put the ball on frame.  As it turned out, one goal was enough for the win.  Bree Stowers, Whitney Bunch, Danae Benton, Becky Stillin, and Tina Mattias did a solid job winning 50-50 balls and working together as a defensive unit.

Becky Stillin containing her mark

“For the first time this season we accomplished the goal of playing 90 minutes of consistent hard play,” commented Coach Heger.   “Getting our first road win means a lot to the program.  It shows we’re building and moving in the right direction.”  Coach Yon also added, “Although the first 25 minutes were a struggle, the girls rallied as a team and finished the match strong.”

The Lady Tigers will face Bluffton University at 4:00 pm on Wednesday at Grace Bible College.