The momentum is on the side of the Grand Rapids Community College Women’s Soccer team, winning back to back games and remaining undefeated at home as they demolished Marian University-Ancilla in a shutout victory on Aug. 29, 4-0.
Things started off well for the Raiders as Brooklyn Williams, a midfielder from Rockford, scored her first goal of the season, while Amelia Hancock, a midfielder from Lowell, followed that up by scoring her first goal of the season to take the 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes of the game.
The Raiders once again displayed their teamwork and chemistry with their defense, working to keep their opponent from being able to take shots at the goal, while continuing to stay aggressive on offense, taking 14 shots, while Marian Ancilla only took four.
Later in the first half, Abby Buttermore, a forward from Cedar Springs, scored her third goal of the season to help the Raiders take a 3-0 lead going into the second half.
During the second half, both teams struggled with different parts of the game. The Raiders defense wasn’t as strong. They allowed more shots at the goal, while their opponents struggled with fouls as they had six versus one in the first half.
Despite that, the Raiders were able to put the final nail in the coffin. Marian Ancilla couldn’t take advantage of the change in the defense and didn’t score a single goal, while Williams was able to score a goal off a pass from Buttermore to finish out the game with the victory, 4-0.
Williams felt that this game was exactly what the Raiders needed to boost their confidence.
“I was really impressed with how everyone played today,” Williams said. “I was super proud of our goalie, everyone had some great shots. There was some adversity at the end of the game, but we pulled through, so I’m really proud.”
GRCC head coach Jason Hill felt this game showed the team’s chemistry and improvement.
“I think it’s just an understanding of the team playing together, practicing together, they are jelling more, we’re understanding what we’re trying to do as a team,” Hill said. “I think that every practice, every game, we will get better.”
They will look to continue their winning ways when they take on Schoolcraft College, who are also 2-2, at 1 p.m. on Sept. 1 at Mackay-Jaycees Park in Grand Rapids.
