Women's Soccer Completes Comeback Win over Olivet

Holly Bowling playing soccer.
Photo by Kimberly Moss

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College women's soccer team ended its three-game homestand with an MIAA victory over Olivet on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 8) at MacKenzie Field. After the Comets scored the game's opening goal, Holly Bowling turned in a great day with two goals, leading the Hornets to a 2-1 comeback win.

Kalamazoo came out on the offensive to begin the game, taking the first seven of eight shots. However, Olivet scored the first goal to take the one-goal lead in the 26th minute. The goal came from a free kick outside the box, headed into the goal by the back post. Six minutes later, the Hornets scored the equalizer to even the score at 1-1. After subbing in earlier in the half, Mia Crites slid a through ball to Holly Bowling on the left side of the box. Bowling then scored her second goal of the season over the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper. After the teams continued to battle in the midfield, the score remained tied, heading into halftime.

"I was proud of how our group persevered today," said Head Coach Bryan Goyings. "After going down a goal, it was nice to see the group rally back to tie the game before halftime."

Right after the break is when the Hornets struck for the game-winning goal. In the 54th minute, Bowling put away her second goal of the game and third of the season. Cassidy Short was credited with the assist after she dribbled toward the goal on the right side, and the goalkeeper initially saved her shot. However, the save was not controlled, and Bowling put away the goal for the game-winner.

"Holly Bowling is such a hard worker, and it was great to see her get both goals today. The equalizer before halftime was critical to our result. On the second goal, she did not quit until the ball was across the line. She was a difference maker for us today," commented coach Goyings on Bowling.

Lexi Nesbitt (5-4-2) made two saves on three opportunities in the win. Kalamazoo finished with more shots (15-4) and corner kicks (4-1), while Olivet had more saves (6-2) and fouls (13-12).

The Hornets will continue MIAA play with a road game against Trine on Wednesday (Oct. 12), beginning at 4 p.m.