By Mitch Blankespoor
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Three first half goals from the Bulldogs of Adrian College doomed the Kalamazoo women's soccer team in a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) game at MacKenzie Field on Sept. 21. Adrian defeated K 4-0 in front of over 100 fans.
Despite having chances in the first 30 minutes of play, Adrian could not find the back of the net. The Hornet defense and sophomore goalkeeper Lucy Mailing were standing strong.
In the 33rd minute, MIAA Player of the Year a season ago Erin Weide received the ball off of a rebound and beat Mailing far side to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.
The next 12 minutes proved to be Kalamazoo's undoing. In the 40th minute, Alanna Chambry would beat Mailing again off of a rebound. Sam Barker would finish a shot inside the six yard box on a cross from Chambry three minutes later. The Hornets would lead into halftime trailing 3-0.
"That was a disappointing 15 minute stretch for us ending the first half," said Kalamazoo Head Coach Bryan Goyings. "I give credit to Adrian. The Bulldogs took advantage of their chances."
Kalamazoo's best chance came in the 49th minute. Senior Sam Voss received a through-ball and took a shot with the left foot toward the near-side upper corner. Adrian goalkeeper Lexi Lewandowski rose up and caught the shot diving to her right.
Taylor Miller would add a fourth goal for Adrian in the 67th minute chipping Kalamazoo freshman goalkeeper Colleen Corrigan, who came in for Mailing late in the first half.
Neither team scored in the final 23 minutes.
Each Kalamazoo goalkeeper was credited with two saves. Voss fired three shots in the game, two of which were on target.
Barker led the Hornets with a goal on six shots.
"We have a week to regroup," Goyings said. "We need to put this behind us and focus on the next game."
Kalamazoo returns to action Sept. 28 when it hosts Calvin College for a 12:00 p.m. contest.