ALMA, Mich. - Today the Calvin women's soccer team traveled to Alma for its MIAA conference opener. The Knights took advantage of three crucial set-piece opportunities as they went on to defeat the Scots 3-0.
 
The Knights, who are currently ranked No. 18 in the nation, came out hot as they earned themselves a corner kick in the second minute of the match. Junior Elie Farrell (Wheaton, Ill./Calvin Christian) stepped up and sent a soaring ball to Lucy Iverson (Naperville, Ill./Naperville North) who rose above the Scots defenders and sent a header into the back of the net to make the score 1-0.
 
Fifteen minutes later the Knights once again found themselves deep in enemy territory with another corner kick opportunity. This time, Iverson sent a cross into the eighteen-yard box where it was lost in a mass of Scots defenders and Calvin attackers. The ball ricocheted off several people before freshman Olivia Rawls (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) got a foot on it and sent it past the diving Alma goalkeeper to extend the Calvin lead.
 
In the 38th minute the Knights earned yet another corner kick where Iverson sent the ball into the top of the net to cash in her second goal of the match as Calvin headed into halftime with a comfortable 3-0 lead over the Scots.
 
In the second half the Knights defense continued to have a stellar performance. The Alma attacking opportunities were few-and-far-between as Calvin walked away with the victory to start MIAA play.
 
COACHES COMMENTS: "It's great to get three points to kick off conference play," said head coach Emily Ottenhoff. "I was pleased that we were able to come out on the front foot and score in the first two minutes. We had a lot of people contribute today and look forward to getting back to work tomorrow for another challenge on Saturday."
 
Calvin outshot Alma 25-3 and did not allow one shot on target the entire match.
 
UP NEXT: The Knight will be back in action on Saturday, October 5th when they return home for homecoming weekend. They will take on Saint Mary's at 4:30 PM as well as participate in the dedication of the brand new Calvin Soccer Stadium immediately following the match.