By Mark DeHaan

The Calvin women's soccer team opened up its conference schedule at home on Monday afternoon, hosting the Scots of Alma College at Zuidema Field.

The Knights entered at 1-1 on the season and were picked to finish first in the preseason conference poll, while Alma was 2-1 and picked to finish third.

Surprising the Knights at home, the Scots stole a 2-1 win against Calvin in overtime, setting the Knights back in the first MIAA contest of the season.

In the first half, the game was largely played in the middle of the field. The first strong scoring opportunity came in the 22nd minute for the Knights, when junior Sydney Kinney put a shot on goal that went off the post.

In the 44th minute, Calvin was able to get on the board first. Junior Taylor TenHarmsel put a cross into the center of the box where freshman Stacie Skinker was waiting. Skinker then headed the ball into the back of the net for her first collegiate goal and a 1-0 Knights lead, which Calvin took into the break.

In the first half, the Knights outshot Alma 8-6, although Alma held an advantage in shots-on-goal at 4-2.

Early in the second half, the Scots equalized. Just 33 seconds into the half, Megan Kalanik put a left-footed shot on goal which found the back of the net to knot the game at 1-1.

The Knights then had an opportunity in the 71st minute. With the ball bouncing around the middle of the box, Kailey Jo put a shot on goal that was saved by the Alma keeper.

The game continued to be played evenly, and after 90 minutes, the score remained tied at 1-1.

In the first overtime period, the Knights had a sure chance on goal as junior Paige Capel broke free of the Alma defense. Capel was then taken down in the box, and with no foul called, the game continued.

Minutes later, the Scots scored the winning goal as Kelly Wilson made a run down the sideline and squeaked a goal in the near post in the 99th minute of play.

Alma outshot Calvin 18-14 for the game, while also holding a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.

"We have to take this as a lesson that when we do have opportunities we have to finish well," said head coach Mark Recker. "I also felt that we were just out of rhythm. Our touches were a little off, and our passing was off, so there are a number of things that I think we can improve on and move forward. Give credit to Alma. They have a quality team and got the result this afternoon."

The loss drops Calvin to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play while Alma improves to 3-1 and 1-0 in the MIAA.

The Knights now look forward to Thursday when the Thunder of Trine University come to Zuidema Field for another conference contest. Thursday's match is scheduled to kick-off at 4:00 p.m.