SMC Drops first home match to Calvin 5-0
By SARAH RYKOWSKI
Sports Writer
The Saint Mary's soccer team dropped another game Wednesday to Calvin College.
The 5-0 defeat was the Belles' first home loss for the 1999-2000 season.
"I thought we came out really flat to begin again," head coach Jason Milligan said. "Later on, in the second [part] of the first half, and in the second half, we played much better."
Again, the Belles had trouble finishing their scoring runs. Calvin held them to just seven total shots on goal. Freshman midfielder Heather Muth led the Belles with two scoring attempts, one on a breakaway that left her one-on-one with the Calvin goalie, but the shot went wide off the right post. Laura Paulen, Mary Campe, Katy Barger and Erin McCabe also had shots.
"We've been improving every game," Milligan said. "The pace of play is quicker with the better teams. I think they're getting some great experience."
The Belles had trouble getting the ball down the field, and they also seemed to struggle on defense more than usual.
"The only part I think we were struggling with was communication," senior co-captain Rachel Egger said.
Saint Mary's goalie Brie Gershick had five saves for the game. Four of the Calvin goals occurred in the first half.
"We've never had to make such a huge comeback," senior co-captain Erin McCabe said. "At half it was discouraging."
The day was extremely cold, rainy, and windy. Both teams were slipping and sliding on the field. Injuries and sore muscles plagued the Belles. Senior co-captain Barger left the game 10 minutes into the second half with an injured shin.
"I feel that the weather was a factor," McCabe said. "We've never been down by that much and had to come back," McCabe said. "But we'll get them next year."
Last year, Saint Mary's also lost to Calvin, 6-0. This season, Calvin remains undefeated and in second place, behind league leader and defending champion Kalamazoo College. Saint Mary's record falls to 1-4-1 in MIAA league play and 7-3-2 for the season.
"We played well — we had some good shots, but we broke down," freshman Lynn Taylor said. "It was frustrating."
Saint Mary's next league game is away at Alma College on Oct. 16. Their next home game is against Washington University, on Oct. 17. Both games start at noon.
"These girls aren't going to give up," Milligan said. "They know that they're a good team and that it takes time to develop."
All Sports Stories for Thursday, October 14, 1999
