There was more than competition in the air at Van Andel Soccer Stadium on Wednesday night.
With the names of loved ones stitched on their backs, the Hope College women's soccer team played for something far greater than the scoreboard. The annual Purple Community Game once again united Hope Athletics and the Holland community in support of the Van Andel Institute and its mission to fight cancer and neurodegenerative diseases through research and education.
Van Andel Institute, based in Grand Rapids, is dedicated to improving human health through cutting-edge biomedical research and science education.
Through the Purple Community initiative, Hope athletes, students, and fans are united in supporting this mission — a cause that continues to inspire the Hope College community.
Head coach Holly Van Noord reflected on the meaning behind the night following the Flying Dutch's 3-0 victory against Albion College.
"I think the greater purpose of soccer is a privilege and there is so much more to the meaning of life, and to see the community come together and the team come together and play for a bigger purpose is something so special," Van Noord said.
Once the game kicked off the Flying Dutch wasted no time setting the tone. Just 2:56 into the match, senior forward Lina Rea (Macomb, Michigan / Utica HS) struck first for Hope, converting a pass from senior Ainsley Harris (Zeeland, Michigan / Holland Christian) to give Hope a 1–0 lead.
Hope continued to press, outshooting the Britons 14–8 during the opening half, but Albion goalkeeper Maddie Welsh made six saves to keep the visitors within reach.
Hope's attack surged again early in the second half. In the 49th minute, senior Olivia Dieppa (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville) buried a shot to double the Flying Dutch lead.
The reigning MIAA Defensive Player of the Week struck again at 62:50, finishing off a feed from sophomore Adelyn Raad (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville) to seal the victory.
Dieppa's performance led an efficient and relentless Hope offense that produced 32 total shots, 14 on goal, and eight corner kicks in the second half alone.
Goalkeeper junior Clara Feenstra (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville) stopped all five Albion shots on goal to earn the shutout — her third of the year.
The Flying Dutch improved to 8-2-2 overall and 3-0-0 in the MIAA, while Albion dropped to 7-3-0 (0-2-0 MIAA).
Hope hits the pitch again on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Trine University at 7 p.m.
