By Blake Metiva
The soccer season rolls on, and the women’s team hasn’t missed a beat. In the last week, the team has played the Muskegon Community College Jayhawks and Schoolcraft College Ocelots. The Pioneers rolled over the Jayhawks, 7-0, on Saturday, Sept. 14, but played a close game against the Ocelots on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
The Pioneers scored early and often against the Jayhawks, never going more than 20 minutes between goals. Their first goal came from a corner kick in the second minute. Sophomore midfielder Anna Sabo whipped in a corner that found the head of sophomore midfielder Mady Kler, who slotted the ball away. Nineteen minutes later, freshman forward Isabella Workman scored her first of three goals on a cross from freshman Ciara Kelly to make it 2-0. In the 40th minute, sophomore Kaylee Shattuck scored on a breakaway set up by sophomore Peyton Pratt. A minute later, the Pioneers scored again. Sophomore Kendall Jackson connected on a breakaway with an assist from Kaylee Shattuck, making the game 4-0 at halftime.
In the second half, the Pioneers continued to dominate; Isabella Workman scored her second of the game on a breakaway. Six minutes later, Kaylee Shattuck scored her second on a cross from freshman Abigail Hendy, making it 6-0. Ten minutes later, Isabella Workman completed her hat trick with a header from a cross by freshman Brooke Swartz. The match finished 7-0. Goalkeeper Mia Warner recorded her third shutout of the season and made three saves.
Their match on Wednesday was far closer. The Ocelots had a plan against the Pioneers, causing the team headaches. Schoolcraft led going into halftime, taking the lead on a 40th-minute penalty kick scored by Daniela Alvarez. The Ocelots had more shots in the first half and committed fewer fouls than the Pioneers. The second half was much better for Delta. Sophomore midfielder Reagan King headed the ball into the Ocelot goal after a cross from Mikalah Lewis. Six minutes later, the game-winning goal was scored by Sydney Lambert. She found the back of the net on a shot from 20 yards out, making the game 2-1 and keeping their undefeated record intact.
The Pioneers regained their top spot in the NJCAA Division III polls and are one of four teams that are undefeated.
Goalkeeper Mia Warner kicks to ball after blocking a goal, University Center, Sept. 14, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Alaina Schalk runs towards the ball to get closer to the goal, University Center, Sept. 14, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Ciara Kelly pushes against opposing play to get the ball back, University Center, Sept. 14, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Avery Benjamin winds up to kick the ball, University Center, Sept. 14, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Avery Benjamin attempts to get the ball back from opposing player, University Center, Sept. 14, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Kaylee Shattuck guards the ball from opposing player, University Center, Sept. 14, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley
You can find more photos from the Sept. 14 women’s soccer game on staff photographer Emma Blakley’s online gallery.
