The Lady Tigers had won 3 of their last 4 matches coming into Friday’s game against the Lions of Finlandia.  GBC was hoping to make it 4 out of their last 5 when the evening was over and they did just that.  Finishing didn’t come easily for Grace in the first half as good opportunities were repeatedly squandered.  However, with 15 minutes left in the half the Tigers got the break they were looking for in order to take the lead.  A ball was crossed over and Laura Vinton made a break on the ball with the Finlandia keeper coming hard.  Vinton won the race, took a shot, but it deflected off the keeper to a charging Sarah Steenwyk.  Steenwyk was able to finish the ball giving the Tigers the 1-0 lead.  Another excellent opportunity presented itself for Grace with 45 seconds left in the half.  Destiny Banasihan ripped a shot from 20 yards that was headed for the upper 90 only to be denied by the Lion’s keeper who made an amazing punching save.  The score was tight at the half with GBC up 1-0.

The Tigers were able to make a few slight adjustments during the break and the team came out hungry ready to expand their lead.  Vinton scored 14 minutes into the second half off an assist from Steenwyk, two minutes later on an assist from Banasihan, and finally on yet another ball from Steenwyk.  Vinton’s three goals marked only the second hat trick in GBC women’s soccer history.  The Lady Tigers weren’t finished yet as Courtney Glinka added to the lead on Maggie Segalla’s pass.  The goal with Glinka’s first of the season.  The final tally was added by Jessica Pegg on a slotted ball from Steenwyk.  The Tigers outshot the Lions 23-5 and Kerie Rudd posted her second shutout of the season while making 5 saves.

The Tigers travel to Purdue Calumet Saturday for a 1:00 match against the Peregrines.  The game will be the last regular season game for the Lady Tigers who are preparing for regional play next week.