Donaldson, Indiana –Just a single game removed from a heartbreaking overtime loss that ended the Pioneer’s post-season chances, one could understand if their hearts weren’t in it as they played a winless Ancilla team on Sunday. But the Lady Pioneers showed the resolve that has made them conference front-runners year after year and ultimately found the right moments at the, well, right moments.
Delta traveled to Ancilla and came home with a 3-2 win on Sunday that concluded the MCCAA portion of their season and gave them a 6-4 league record. With a win at non-league Davenport, the Pioneers can finish the season at .500 with an overall 8-8 record.
Ancilla was ready for an upset right from the beginning of the game as the Chargers came out and pressured Delta with numerous attacks. Their strategy to drive the ball deep into the Pioneer defense and hopefully get fouls called was very effective as both of their scores were unassisted courtesy of a direct free kick.
The first goal for Ancilla came at the 19 minute mark before being answered with an unassisted goal by Lexi Traver at the 27 minute mark to tie the game 1-1. It remained that way as halftime approached.
The Pioneers took a quick 2-1 lead at the onset of the second half as Gabrielle Sake scored an unassisted goal for her fourth goal and 12th point of the season. She placed the shot at the far post off a deep service across the goal.
Another free kick for Ancilla tied the game 2-2 in the 78th minute and it was looking like for the second contest in a row the Pioneers would be heading to overtime. But Gabrielle Sake scored her second goal of the game in the 88th minute to give Delta the lead where they were able to hold on for the victory.
“I discussed the importance of not fouling their two top players,” said coach Gary Stenglein. “We had to change our approach and deny them the ball versus letting them receive a pass and then trying to get it from them afterwards and that seemed to work out for us in the second half.”
“This was a very strange and frustrating game that took us out of our rhythm. But, we were able to adjust to the game, and picked up the win.”
Courtesy DeltaPioneers.com
