Anna Alonzo taking the ball up the line

It was a cool windy day at Velting Field but that didn’t stop the Lady Tigers from defeating the Lions of Finlandia.  Only two weeks before the Tigers had made the long road trip up to Finlandia and came away empty handed in a 0-1 loss to the Lions.  However, GBC was determined to have a different outcome Saturday afternoon.  Once again it was a tight match but this time the Tigers were the victors coming out on top 1-0.

Joanne Coffey keeping the ball close

The majority of the match was played at the midfield and as a result the shots on goal were few and far between.  The Tigers only had 2 shots on frame in the first half but Marta Huizenga-Hegg made her opportunity matter as she struck a ball from the top of the 18 over the opposing keeper’s outstretched arms.  The goal stuck and ended up being the difference and the game-winner for the Tigers.  Final shots on goal favored Finlandia 6-4.  Kerie Rudd made all 6 saves in net and tallied her 4th shutout of the season.

“The ladies showed a lot of heart today,” said Coach Heger as he reflected on the match.  “Once we scored the lone goal in the first half we were able to play a little more conservatively and hang on for the win.  Finlandia certainly had their chances but we were hungry for the win this afternoon.”

The Tigers now enter the final week of the regular season facing Cornerstone University on Wednesday afternoon and Marygrove College next week Saturday.  The regional tournament starts the following week up in Dunbar, Wisconsin.  The Tigers will face Northland International University in the first round of tournament play.

Laura Vinton surveying the field