Grace Kickers Fall In Pool Play
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Josh Neuhart-
The match featured strong defensive performances by both sides, including a few strong saves by Grace senior keeper Carmen Barnhill.
Grace was strong in possession in the first half, limiting the Sea Lions’ offensive possessions. The Lady Lancers (11-6-3) had the best look of the opening period when a long free kick was directed dangerously toward PLNU’s goal. The Sea Lions’ goalkeeper punched the ball above the crossbar, however.
Emily Hickerson made a fast run down the right sideline in the first 15 minutes of the game, but her cross was intercepted in the penalty box.
The teams entered the halftime break scoreless with PLNU holding a slight 3-2 advantage in shots. Each side attempted one corner kick.
The offensive play was much more dynamic to start the second half. Grace’s Mallory Rondeau split a few Sea Lion (11-7-2) defenders in the middle of the field and nearly had a breakaway before being caught.
Hickerson had a golden opportunity with 20 minutes to play when Rondeau found her in space at the top of the penalty box. But Hickerson’s touch was too strong, allowing PLNU’s goalie to squelch her run.
Barnhill made a spectacular save to keep PLNU off the scoreboard, diving to her right to fend off a shot on goal with 15 minutes remaining. The senior goalkeeper had another outstanding save five minutes later.
With less than two minutes remaining, Grace nearly won the game with the best chance of the match. Holly Bennett played Rondeau through the Sea Lions’ defense with an acrobatic pass on the left side of the field. Rondeau crossed to freshman Maile Grout at the far post, but her shot under pressure was wide.
PLNU had a last-second free kick near the top of the box that glanced off the crossbar, preserving the 0-0 draw.
“This was a good match for us today,” said Grace head coach Michael Voss. “Point Loma is a good team. We have traditionally struggled on the first day of the tournament, but today was much better. We were a bit slow to unlock their defense, but we did that really well at times. Our defense did well to bend but not break.”
As a team, Grace was outshot 11-4. Heather Martin, Faith Voehringer, Lauren Becker, Erica Manchess and Jalisa Thayer combined to help Barnhill record her seventh shutout of the season. Barnhill had six saves on the evening.
The Lady Lancers face a rematch with Judson University on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the final pool play game. Grace, which beat Judson 2-1 on Aug. 22, will hope to win and secure an automatic bid to Friday’s semifinals.[[In-content Ad]]
The match featured strong defensive performances by both sides, including a few strong saves by Grace senior keeper Carmen Barnhill.
Grace was strong in possession in the first half, limiting the Sea Lions’ offensive possessions. The Lady Lancers (11-6-3) had the best look of the opening period when a long free kick was directed dangerously toward PLNU’s goal. The Sea Lions’ goalkeeper punched the ball above the crossbar, however.
Emily Hickerson made a fast run down the right sideline in the first 15 minutes of the game, but her cross was intercepted in the penalty box.
The teams entered the halftime break scoreless with PLNU holding a slight 3-2 advantage in shots. Each side attempted one corner kick.
The offensive play was much more dynamic to start the second half. Grace’s Mallory Rondeau split a few Sea Lion (11-7-2) defenders in the middle of the field and nearly had a breakaway before being caught.
Hickerson had a golden opportunity with 20 minutes to play when Rondeau found her in space at the top of the penalty box. But Hickerson’s touch was too strong, allowing PLNU’s goalie to squelch her run.
Barnhill made a spectacular save to keep PLNU off the scoreboard, diving to her right to fend off a shot on goal with 15 minutes remaining. The senior goalkeeper had another outstanding save five minutes later.
With less than two minutes remaining, Grace nearly won the game with the best chance of the match. Holly Bennett played Rondeau through the Sea Lions’ defense with an acrobatic pass on the left side of the field. Rondeau crossed to freshman Maile Grout at the far post, but her shot under pressure was wide.
PLNU had a last-second free kick near the top of the box that glanced off the crossbar, preserving the 0-0 draw.
“This was a good match for us today,” said Grace head coach Michael Voss. “Point Loma is a good team. We have traditionally struggled on the first day of the tournament, but today was much better. We were a bit slow to unlock their defense, but we did that really well at times. Our defense did well to bend but not break.”
As a team, Grace was outshot 11-4. Heather Martin, Faith Voehringer, Lauren Becker, Erica Manchess and Jalisa Thayer combined to help Barnhill record her seventh shutout of the season. Barnhill had six saves on the evening.
The Lady Lancers face a rematch with Judson University on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the final pool play game. Grace, which beat Judson 2-1 on Aug. 22, will hope to win and secure an automatic bid to Friday’s semifinals.[[In-content Ad]]
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