Box Score

The Saint Mary’s soccer team played host to Anderson University in a scrimmage Saturday morning. The match up of three 30 minute periods allowed both coaches to see the progress of their respective clubs. In each of the periods, the Belles showed that they were ready to play, dominating the visiting Ravens on both ends of the field in the 4-0 win.

The first period of play saw the Belles set the tone on the defensive end. The stifling pressure from the Saint Mary’s backfield quickly put an end to any Anderson offensive opportunities. The Belles kept the Ravens from getting off a shot on goal.

The offense got started in the second period when Saint Mary’s freshman Michelle Hedinger scorched a shot past the Anderson keeper in the 36th minute of play. The Belles continued their offensive pressure, notching nine shots in the period. The defense also continued their strong showing, allowing the Ravens to only get off three shots.

The third period was an offensive explosion for the host Belles, who converted three of their 11 shots as goals. Senior co-captain Ashley Hinton fed a long pass to sophomore Lauren Hinton, who then sped past the Anderson defense and blasted a shot to the back of the net in the 63rd minute. Just a few minutes later, the Hinton duo hooked up again when Ashley threaded a pass through the defense to Lauren, who yet again beat the Ravens’ keeper. The Belles’ scoring was capped when Ashley Hinton crossed the ball through the box to fellow senior co-captain Colleen Courtney, who then found sophomore Mandy Thomson in the middle of the action to score the match’s fourth and final goal.

Overall, the Belles out shot the Ravens by a 27-5 margin en route to the impressive offensive and defensive display. Belles Coach Caryn Mackenzie was well pleased by the overall effort of her squad. “We really came together today,” said Mackenzie, who is starting off her third year as the head coach for the Belles. Mackenzie was impressed by the depth and composure displayed by her club, and looks forward to their season opener, which takes place Wednesday, September 6 against conference rival Albion College. The match-up is slated for a 4:00 p.m. start at Saint Mary’s soccer field.