Following ties to both Anderson and Wheaton last week, the Saint Mary’s soccer team now sits at 5-0-2 on the season as they look to a Wednesday game against Earlham.
In their match last Wednesday at Anderson, the Belles tied with the Ravens 1-1, with a crucial goal at the 73-minute mark by junior forward Layne Ridderman. Not only was this goal what saved Saint Mary’s from receiving their first loss of the year, but it was also Ridderman’s first goal since returning to play after her battle with stage three Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This was a big moment, with the celebration for the Belles being full of tears, joy and pride.
Saint Mary’s outshot Anderson 30-8, showing the continued aggression of the Belles despite playing a defense-heavy team. Freshman forward Mia Johnson led the Belles with seven shots while sophomore defender Isabella Kreydich shot five, with many others on the team shooting three times.
Last Friday, against Wheaton, Saint Mary’s played very strong defense, even playing freshman goalkeeper Meghan Krayer, who made a beautiful backwards dive to stop the ball and keep the game tied at 0-0. Being one of the Belles’ more statistically matched games of the season, the Belles and Thunder had the same number of shots, saves, corner kicks and fouls by the end of the first half. In the second half, Saint Mary’s had six shots while Wheaton had four.
Johnson had the most shots with three, while junior forward Eleah Hedstrom and Kreydich each had two. Overall, the Belles outshot the Thunder 8-6.
Despite having two draws last week, Saint Mary’s started this week with many positives, and an opportunity to carry that energy into their match on Wednesday against Earlham College. Sophomore defender Kayla O’Neal was named Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Women’s Soccer Defensive Athlete of the Week for her performance against Anderson and Wheaton, playing all 180 minutes with four shots on goal. On the offensive side, both Johnson and Kreydich have 11 total shots on goal for the season, while Ridderman boasts an impressive 80% shot on goal rate, making her a key threat for Earlham defenders.
Earlham currently sits at 1-6 on the season, but features explosive players, including sophomore forward Mariana Mendez with six shots on goal and 0.600% shots on goal, senior midfielder Mallory Smith with six shots on goal and 0.429% shots on goal and freshman midfielder Selena Malave with five shots on goal and 0.714% shots on goal.
Earlham has allowed 19 goals on the season, which leaves room for the Saint Mary’s aggressive offense to grab control of the match early. Especially with Johnson and Kreydich in double digits for shots on goal and Ridderman finding her rhythm again, the Belles will attempt to apply pressure from the start.
This match also carries tons of momentum for Saint Mary’s. Although undefeated on the year, the team is coming off back-to-back ties, and a win against Earlham could help reset their rhythm heading into tougher matches in October.
Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Purcell Athletic Fields.