By Reagan Thomas · Staff Writer
Photo by LUKE PAGLIA / The Collegian
The Grove City College women’s soccer team continued its strong season Friday afternoon, defeating Chatham University 4-1 at Don Lyle Field as part of the college’s Homecoming weekend festivities.
The Wolverines dominated from the opening whistle, outshooting Chatham 20-4 in the first half and scoring four goals in a decisive 22-minute stretch. Grove City improved to 8-1-2 overall and 4-0-1 in Presidents’ Athletic Conference play.
Freshman midfielder Ana Hahn opened the scoring in the 24th minute, netting her first collegiate goal. Senior forward Hannah Plunkard doubled the lead less than 10 minutes later, finishing a well-executed offensive sequence for what proved to be the game-winning goal.
“It was really a team effort,” Plunkard said. “Emily Horst received the ball on the right side of the field, took a great touch inward as I made a run across from the left side of the field. She then played a great ball which barely needed to be redirected into the goal. Ana Hahn also made a run which allowed for the opposing goalkeeper to be distracted.”
After Chatham cut the deficit to 2-1 on a goal from freshman Amelia Anderson, the Wolverines quickly responded. Senior midfielder Emma Dailey scored her first goal of the season just moments later, and sophomore midfielder Sasha Sansone capped the scoring with her second goal of the year in the final seconds of the first half.
According to Plunkard, Grove City’s offensive success was no accident.
“This season has been great offensively, as we have been able to generate 46 goals so far,” she said. “In our recent game against Chatham especially, we were very fluid offensively and were able to change the picture and create unpredictable chances in front of the net.”
The quick response following Chatham’s goal helped Grove City maintain momentum and prevent the visitors from gaining confidence.
“Chatham was able to create some great pressure against our whole team, so it was a relief when we were able to put another goal away quickly after the score went 2-1,” Plunkard said. “Although we gave up a goal, we continued to push forward as a team and get a few more in the back of the net.”
Plunkard’s goal was her sixth of the season, a new career high. She credited both the team’s chemistry and her personal mindset for her offensive success.
“The biggest shift in my play personally is the way that God has allowed me to play in complete freedom and joy regardless of mistakes or outward approval,” she said.
The match was also the team’s Breast Cancer Awareness game. Players wore pink as the program honored former 1998 graduate and Grove City women’s soccer standout Jody (Swauger-Simms) Armstrong, who died from breast cancer earlier this year.
The team finished with a commanding 30-5 advantage in shots, including a 15-2 edge in shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Maddie Mills played the first half and recorded one save, while sophomore Ella Lotz preserved the win in the second half.
The Wolverines defeated Westminster on Wednesday and now turn their attention to Franciscan, traveling to Steubenville, Ohio, Saturday for a
4:30 p.m. kickoff.
