By Reagan Thomas · Staff Writer
The Grove City College women’s soccer team earned a historic 2-0 victory over No. 11 Case Western Reserve at DiSanto Field on Saturday.
The win improved the Wolverines to 3-0-1 and marked Grove City’s first victory in five all-time meetings with the nationally ranked Spartans. Senior goalkeeper Maddie Mills recorded her first full shutout of the season with three saves, as the Wolverines secured their third consecutive shutout victory.
Freshman midfielder Ava Soley gave Grove City a 1-0 lead in the 31st minute with her fourth goal of the season, her first game-winner, off an assist from senior midfielder Tori Stevenson.
“Honestly, it just didn’t feel real,” Soley said. “After I shot the ball, I didn’t even process what had happened. Going into the game, I was pretty nervous because I knew Case Western was a very talented team and that it was going to be a tough fight. Once I went in, I just tried to focus on playing the game that I love and not let the nerves get to me.
“I’m really grateful that I was able to overcome that fear and play with confidence, not confidence in myself, but confidence in the Lord and in what He has given me the ability to do. I truly believe that the first goal was exactly what we needed to win the game.”
The Wolverines continued to defend effectively throughout the match before another Soley goal added insurance in the 80th minute.
“I think it started with our team doing a great job of switching the field and moving the ball up,” Soley said. “Kiara did an amazing job of playing the ball into the corner and winning the foot race. I knew I had to get into the box, and she placed the cross right on my foot. From there, all I had to do was finish the shot. It was ultimately a great team effort and a really exciting goal to secure the win.”
While Case Western held a 12-8 advantage in total shots, Grove City finished with a 5-3 edge in shots on goal and displayed a disciplined, unified performance on both ends of the field.
“I think we played together as a team really well instead of playing individually,” Soley said. “Everything we did, we did together. Whether we pressed up in attack or dropped back to defend, it was always together, and I think that was one of the things that really helped us seal the win.”
The significance of the victory was not lost on the Wolverines, who entered the match looking to overcome the program’s previous struggles against the Spartans.
“Going into this game, there was a lot of doubt just because of the history Grove City has had with Case, so I’m really proud of our team’s skill, effort, and determination,” Soley said. “I’m honored to be a part of this team and to have been able to experience a win like this with them.
“I know that we aren’t successful through our own efforts alone, but through the strength that the Lord gives us, and I think that plays a huge role in our overall success. This win is a reminder of what we can accomplish when we play for an audience of One, believe in each other and leave everything on the field.”
The upset victory boosted confidence as the Intercollegiate Women’s Soccer Organization for Coaches’ No. 20-ranked team prepares for Presidents’ Athletic Conference play.
“I think this win taught us that if we play our game and trust in each other, we can have success no matter who we play,” Soley said. “We’ve gained the confidence we needed moving forward, but we also know that we can’t become complacent. We have to continue working hard, trusting God and giving it our all for each other. I think this win gives us the momentum we need to be successful and hopefully go the whole way again in the PAC.”
Grove City began conference play on Wednesday against Bethany and will look to carry that momentum into further PAC matchups when it faces Saint Vincent at 6 p.m. Saturday in Latrobe.
