By Justin Jurak, Sports Reporter.
Coming off back-to-back wins, the Delta women’s soccer team dropped a close game, 3-1 to neighboring Saginaw Valley State University in a non-conference matchup. The Pioneers had won their two previous games 2-0 at Jackson College and 4-2 against Owens Community College.
“We didn’t come here intimidated that we were playing a four year university,” said coach Paul Stenglein. “But we did come here with the respect knowing we are playing an university with juniors and seniors.”
SVSU controlled the ball for a majority of the first half, but didn’t capitalize offensively until the 23rd minute. A penalty shot courtesy of a foul that occurred on a breakaway gave the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. Neither team threatened again as back and forth play keptthe score 1-0 at halftime.
SVSU increased their lead to 2-0 in the 70th minute of the game before upping it to 3-0 with 12 minutes remaining.
The Pioneers responded with a late goal by Aleisha Jones, ending hopes of a shutout by SVSU. This sparked some energy for the Pioneers, and they developed multiple late opportunities for themselves, but could not capitalize.
“I’m proud of the girls and we recognize that there is always things we need to work on, but to come here and hold our own as junior college, I’m more than happy with that,” said Stenglein.