The Kalamazoo College women's soccer team began its conference season Tuesday night at Hope College, the defending Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association champion, and the Hornets came up just short as the Flying Dutch snuck by with a 3-1 win, adding the third with less than a minute left in the game.
After heading to halftime tied 0-0, Hope struck first in the 61st minute.
The Hornets didn't back down, though. Less than five minutes later in the 65th minute, Raechel Schmidt scored the equalizer tying the game at 1-1. The goal was her first of the season.
"I was very pleased with how we played in the first half and our fight after conceding the first goal," Kalamazoo Head Coach Bryan Goyings said. "Raechel has been working extremely hard and it was great to see her hard work rewarded with the goal."
Another strong push from the Flying Dutch in the 72nd minute provided the game winning goal for Hope. They added a final goal with 10 seconds remaining in the match.
Madeleine Chilcote led the way with three shots, while Sydney Spring recorded two shots.
Grace Smith ended with three saves in goal.
Kalamazoo will host its home opener this Saturday as it looks to get its first win season against Trine University. Kickoff is set for noon.
"We look forward to returning to Kalamazoo for the home opener," Goyings said.