There was no shortage of energy, emotion, or grit under the lights on Tuesday night as the Hope College women's soccer team faced rival Calvin University in a clash of MIAA unbeatens. Both teams entered the night 4-0 in league play, a rivalry meeting with first place on the line.
A second-half goal proved the difference as the Flying Dutch fell, 2-1, in Grand Rapids.
"I was really proud of the first half, I felt it was a great battle," said head coach Holly Van Noord. "It's always tough to come to Calvin's home turf and play against a solid team, so just to compete was awesome, and I'm proud of them for coming back after being a goal down."
Hope moved to 9-3-2 overall and 4-1 in MIAA play, sitting second in the conference standings behind Calvin (9-4, 5-0 MIAA).
From the opening whistle, the tension was as thick as the fall air. Each touch and tackle carried weight as the two top teams battled for every inch of the field. Calvin struck first in the 21st minute, with Mia Judd slipping a shot inside the left post to take a 1-0 lead.
Fueled by the traveling Blue and Orange crowd, Hope surged forward with confidence, matching Calvin's pace and pressure stride for stride.
In the 30th minute, senior Lauren Ellinger (Fishers, Indiana / Hamilton Southeastern HS) made a strong run to the back post, connecting on a cross from junior Halle Barnard (Rockford, Michigan / Rockford) and finishing cleanly to even the match at 1-1.
The second half saw both sides refuse to give an inch. Hope's midfield pressed high and created dangerous looks, but Calvin capitalized on a moment in transition in the 64th minute, with Mikaela Waroway driving a shot to the right corner for what would stand as the decisive goal.
Hope battled until the final whistle, firing nine shots to Calvin's 13 and earning three corner kicks.
Goalkeeper junior Clare Feenstra (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville) anchored the defense with four saves, while Calvin's keeper made four of her own in a tightly contested, fiercely played rivalry match.
Hope travels to Adrian College on Wednesday, Oct. 22, for a 5 p.m. match to continue MIAA play.
