ALBION, Mich. – Albion College went on the attack early and it matched its rivals' energy in the second half to gain a 2-1 result over Alma College in Wednesday night Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association women's soccer action at Alumni Field.
Albion has won its last three – all against MIAA rivals – to maintain a share of first place with Adrian College. Kalamazoo College, Albion's opponent next Tuesday, is right behind at 2-0-1 in the league.
Albion placed six shots on goal in the first 20 minutes. The Britons seized the lead when Clare Kelley pounced on the rebound from Rayna Edwards' hard shot that was saved by Alma goalkeeper Ally Wentworth.
"The early surge was good for our confidence, and Clare has been great all season helping us establish a rhythm," Albion Head Coach Eric Scott said.
"I thought the result was a total team effort from the sideline to the players on the field and everyone in the stands creating an awesome environment," he added. "There is a lot of parity in the MIAA and I thought we did a good job of matching Alma's fire in the second half."
Alma tried to play the ball forward aggressively at the start of the second half, but the back line comprised of Ayla Pitts, Maggie Shrader, Claire Stoddard, and Lexi Taylor and goalkeeper Haley Demers limited the scoring chances.
"Lexi Taylor, in particular, has been solid all season, and I think the back line is starting to come together," Scott said.
Albion weathered the Alma surge at the start of the second half and it extended the margin to 2-0 on Kaitlyn Piontkowsky's fourth goal of the season in the 79th minute.
Alma scored its goal in the 84th minute on a long distance shot by Paige Moore.
Albion was credited with 55 percent of the possession according to the NCAA Live Stats. Piontkowsky generated eight of Albion's 20 shots, and she placed six on goal.
Follow the Albion women's soccer team on Twitter (@AlbionWSoccer) and Instagram (albionwomenssoccer). General Albion athletics news is available on Twitter (@GoBrits), Instagram (AlbionAthletics) and Facebook (facebook.com/albionathletics).
Joe and Julie Serra have given a $5 million leadership gift to launch a fundraising initiative to make two dreams a reality. The first is a newly expanded fitness and student activity facility at the site of the current Dow Recreation and Wellness Center. The second is a new or renovated facility for the volleyball, men's basketball and women's basketball teams that currently call Kresge Gymnasium home.
The College is continuing to raise funds in support of both projects. To learn more, call 517/629-0446 or email advancement@albion.edu.
