Box Score GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Calvin women's soccer team picked up a key 2-0 conference win over Alma on Tuesday night at Zuidema Field.
Calvin honored its six seniors at halftime of Tuesday evening's game, as Ciera Geyer (Titusville, Fl./Titusville), Rebecca Hull (Mason, Mich./Lansing Christian), Bekah Maguire (Holland, Mich./Holland Christian), Mackenna Nesky (Hudsonville, Mich./Unity Christian), Kali Mouw (Avon, N.Y./Avon Central) and Emily Van Vliet (Grandville, Mich./Calvin Christian) played in their final regular season game at Zuidema Field.
With the win the Knights improve to 8-4-2 overall and 3-2-1 in conference play to move into sole possession of fifth place in the MIAA standings. Alma falls to 2-11-1 with a 0-5-1 conference mark. With two games remaining in its regular season, Calvin looks to remain one of the top six teams in the MIAA to clinch a spot in the postseason conference tournament.
Calvin was playing its third game in a six-day span. Last week, the Knights split a pair of conference games, defeating Saint Mary's 2-0 at home before taking a 1-0 loss at Trine.
After a back-and-forth first 15 minutes of play, a corner kick opportunity gave the Knights' offense a spark.
Both teams saw solid scoring chances before a goal by Calvin senior Emily Van Vliet put the Knights on the board first off an assist by sophomore Maria VanderLei (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian).
The Knights came knocking in the 63rd minute again as sophomore Abby Koops (Saugatuck, Mich./Holland Christian) found VanderLei for a one-timer, but Alma keeper Ally Wentworth deflected the shot just before it crossed the goal line.
Calvin continued to pour on the pressure, racking up a total of 13 shots in the first half, but only had one goal to show for it heading into the break.
The Knights continued to roll in the second half before scoring in the 63rd minute to go ahead by two goals. Sophomore Izzy Redfield (Pierson, Mich./Northpointe Christian) connected with sophomore Nicole Hale (Colorado Springs, Co./Classical Academy) who made no mistake with her shot to net her first goal of the season.
The Scots posted two shots on goal late in the second half, but both were stopped by Calvin goalkeeper sophomore Amy Kliewer (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Northern).
Calvin outshot Alma 29-6 in the victory, including 18 shots on goal. Kliewer posted six saves.
The Knights are back in action on Saturday as they travel to Albion for another conference matchup. Game time is set for 12 p.m.
