The Knights began their 2007 campaign on the right foot, defeating host Carthage College 4-1 on Friday afternoon. Senior Jared Litty (Hudsonville/Hudsonville) and junior Michael Holwerda (Grand Rapids/Grand Rapids Christian) went 2-for-2 as the Calvin defense held Carthage (0-1) scoreless until the final ten minutes of play.  

Neither team held a significant shooting advantage, with Calvin edging Carthage 15-14 in total shots, and it was three-fourths of the way through the first half that one of those shots found the back of the net. On an assist from senior Nick Capisciolto (Hudsonville/Unity Christian), Holwerda came off the bench to score the first goal of the season in the 32nd minute of play. Calvin led 1-0 at the half. 

The next two goals were also Calvin's, both scored by Litty with assists from junior Anthony Gratson (Rochester/Rochester Stoney Creek) and Holwerda at the 6:27 and 24:55 marks, respectively. Carthage's lone point came with less than ten minutes to play, a goal by Greg Goldsberry off a cross from Chris Fidlow. 

Holwerda earned his second goal of the season less than four minutes later with an unassisted breakaway shot that got past Carthage keeper Andrew Connor. Conner had eight saves during the match-up while Calvin keeper Dave Fortosis (West Chicago, IL/Wheaton Academy) had seven. Leading Calvin in shots was freshman Scott Hooker (Hudsonville/Unity Christian).  

Calvin continues play in the "Battle on the Border" at Carthage, facing Concordia-Mequon (Wisc.) Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Central Time.