Down goes #16 Grace

WINONA LAKE, IN. – The Brescia University women's soccer team stole their first win from a national ranked opponent as they defeated #16 Grace on the road, 1-0. The Bearcats even their record at one apiece after the loss to Warner.

After the Lady Bearcats suffered a botched loss in their home opener to Warner, they bounced back by knocking down #16 Grace College by just one score. The nationally ranked Lancers had their fair share of chances in the first half as they outshot the Bearcats 11-0. On those first 11 shots, Ashby Greenwell took away five of those from the Lancer offense. Despite the Lancers earning six corner kicks, the Bearcat defense banded together to keep the young Lancers from scoring in the first period as both teams headed into the half.

At the start of the second period, Grace ramped up their offensive strategy as they attempt to break the BU defense. The Lady Bearcats stood strong in the box, preventing the Lancers from ever getting a clean shot at the back of the net. The nationally ranked team added 13 shots in the second half as Greenwell would not surrender a single goal.

The Bearcats took a total of three shots the entire match as they would capitalize in the 74^th minute to take the lead 1-0. Geneva Hann would get the ball on a leading pass from Payton Willis to take a shot from 22 yards out. The laser of a shot was tucked in right under the crossbar for the Bearcats' first goal of the season. 

"All of us knew that Grace is a talented team and in order to respect them we had to try our best. As individuals each of us did what we were supposed to do and as a team we supported one another, which lead to the result that we can be proud of" says Geneva. 

The Lancer goalie conceded her third goal of the short season thus far as the Bearcats take the win 1-0.

"I believe we played the game exactly how we needed to play. We adapted our formation and respected a quality team. Every single one of our players was focused on doing their own job, and that made us play great as a unit. I think our mindset and concentration were a big part of that as well. We knew we were not giving up until the last second, and we played a full 90 precisely. We took advantage of the chances we had, and we stuck with the game plan. I'm really proud of our team for stepping up and playing equal to equal against a nationally ranked team. This game definitely sets the tone for the season. Now we keep this energy up and we only go up from here" says junior midfielder, Duda Feres.

Goalie, Ashby Greenwell, collects 12 saves on the night without relinquishing a goal. She evens up her record to 1-1 on the season. "It was a great team win. We played for the entire 90 minutes and never gave up, which is what we've been looking to do. I'm glad we got the win, and I can't wait for what's next" says Greenwell.

"So proud of our team effort tonight.  We went in with the mindset to grind, follow our game plan, and take a chance when it's presented to us. 

Ashby Greenwell played lights out and gave us so much life with her play.  She really has 2 or 3 hards (shots) that she needed to make and really set the tone around the pitch.

Our defensive line was in sync and set us up all game for success, they made sure everyone played their role and really encouraged each other.  It was a big time game from Ashley Taylor who didn't allow much success on the left flank in our defensive third.

The midfield held strong and carried their roles out…they were patient and didn't try to force anything, they just let the game happen and cut off passing angles forcing Grace to have to make decisions they weren't used to" says Coach Shaun Soderling.

"While it's a monumental moment for our program, we know that it's done and we have to move on as there's more games to play.  We're excited to compete again against a quality Goshen side on Saturday" exclaims Coach.

The Lady Bearcats remain on their trip up north as they take on Goshen this Saturday with a 3 pm CT kickoff.