Women's Soccer Punches Ticket to National Tournament

LOWELL, Mich. - The Great Lakes Christian College Women's Soccer program was facing off against a familiar opponent in Grace Christian University, Tuesday afternoon in the Mideast Region Championship game with a spot in the NCCAA DII National Tournament on the line. Prior to the match the Crusaders had Randi Fitzgerald, Avery Carr, Solara Sheldon and Malia Fry all honored with 1st Team All Region recognition. Grace Tigers proved to be ready as they struck first in the the first ten minutes of the match with a high class finish from Alivia Termeer, but that lead did not last long as Player of the Year Randi Fitzgerald proved why she was POY with putting the equalizer in the back of the net less than thirty seconds later. Fitzgerald would put the Crusaders up 2-1 in the 36th minute of the first half and that lead would hold in until half time.

In the second half Grace remained composed as they continued to press the Crusader backline and broke through in the 60th minute with an incredible volley finish from Abby Schwaub. The game continued to be back and forth when Tajeah Cross played a beutiful ball into space to Avery Carr, who took one touch with her left and powered it home to give the Crusaders 3-2 lead with 15 minutes to play. The Tigers refused to go away though as they earned PK in the 85th minute putting all the pressure on All Region goalkeeper Malia Fry, but the Crusader attacker would go high and hit the crossbar and the frenzy ensued in front of the net. Fry would make a world class save off the rebound to keep the Tigers at bay. The Crusaders would hold strong for the final five minutes and win their second straight Mideast Region Championship.

The Crusaders will now travel to Florida for NCCAA DII National Tournament which will be played November 17-19th. Please stay up to date with WSOC program at www.glccathletics.com