ALMA, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College women's soccer team began MIAA play against Alma on Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 27). After a back-and-forth affair, the Scots emerged victorious by a score of 3-2. The game-winning goal came in the 81st minute from a free kick.

"Today was an exciting MIAA match against Alma," said Head Coach Bryan Goyings. "They were a little sharper to start and finished their chances."

The scoring quickly started as Alma scored an unassisted goal in the fourth minute. The play was even as Kalamazoo shot the ball eight times, compared to the Scots' seven. One of those shots tied the game up just before halftime in the 42nd minute. Scoring her second goal of the season was Sydney Hagaman, as she took on the defense and scored the goal. The score remained tied at one heading into the second half.

Coach Goyings also said, "I was proud of how our group battled back from a goal twice and thought we had some great moments in the latter part of the first half and start of the second half."

As the goals kept coming, Alma regained the one-goal lead in the 64th minute of the second half. However, the Hornets tied the game up 11 minutes later as Sophia Timm-Blow set up Elle Bernas for her first career collegiate goal. Then, in the 81st minute, the Scots had a free-kick opportunity from about 30 yards out. Alma connected on the shot for the eventual game-winning goal.

Lexi Nesbitt (3-3-2) made two saves on three opportunities in the loss. Kalamazoo ended the game with more shots (16-13), corner kicks (4-1), and fouls (10-7), while Alma collected more saves (4-2) in the contest.

"Amalia Scorsone and Sydney Hagaman provided energy and a spark off the bench that helped us find a rhythm. However, it will be important to regroup quickly as Albion is an experienced team, and I expect their best on Saturday," said Coach Goyings.

The Hornets will continue conference play with their first MIAA home game against Albion on Saturday (Oct. 1) at MacKenzie Field, as kickoff is set for 11 a.m.