Lancers Look Strong Versus Haiti
WINONA LAKE – Jordan Hairgrove gave the Grace College women’s soccer team its first international goal as the Lady Lancers fell 2-1 against the Haitian Women’s National Team on Saturday.
Grace battled 90 minutes against the No. 57-ranked team in the world, limiting Haiti to two goals in front of a packed Miller Field crowd.
“This is truly a unique opportunity to play this match. It is so much fun to have two teams I care about so much playing against each other,” said Grace head coach Michael Voss, who also assists the Haitian WNT. “Grace was much more organized and lived our mission in this match. We generated decent scoring opportunities against a quality side.”
Haiti outshot Grace 13-3 in the first half and struck first in the 14th minute on a 20-yard shot from Manoucheka Pierre-Louis.
The Lady Lancers appeared to find an equalizer five minutes later when Meredith Hollar slotted a pass into Carianne Sobey in the box. Sobey’s shot, which found the back of the net, was waved off due to an offside call.
Grace found their offensive rhythm midway into the second half, tallying five shots. Mallory Rondeau nearly evened the match shortly after halftime when she broke free on the right side of the field, but her shot sailed a few feet high of goal.
Haiti went on to add its second goal at the 60:45 mark when Dina Jean-Pierre finished a cross from Lindsey Zullo.
But 12 minutes later, Jordan Hairgrove cut Haiti’s lead in half. Holly Bennett’s shot was deflected which led to a loose ball in the penalty box. An alert Hairgrove collected the ball and beat Haiti’s goalkeeper with a poke to the far post, sending the Miller Field crowd to their feet in applause.
Hairgrove had an impressive week, netting the game-winning goal against NAIA No. 25 Judson on Thursday.
Overall, 20 Lady Lancers saw playing time in the international exhibition on Saturday. Carmen Barnhill made a number of strong plays in goal, tallying 12 saves for Grace in 90 minutes.
Grace continues play on Aug. 30-31 when they play Siena Heights and NAIA No. 2 Olivet Nazarene on the road.