WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Grace's women's soccer team maintained its undefeated streak to start the year, beating Lindenwood-Belleville 3-2 on Saturday.
The Lady Lancers (4-0) used goals by Anna Kuhl, Joana Schimmel and Allison Vroon to beat Lindenwood at 1st Source Bank Field.
Grace dominated possession for nearly the entire 90 minutes of play, only surrendering a pair of goals on counterattacks. The Lady Lancers racked up 14 shots, which included nine on frame.
The fans at 1st Source Bank Field did not have to wait long for the first goal. Grace earned a free kick after a handball violation by the Lynx (0-4).
Kuhl lined up to take the 27-yard free kick and bravely launched a shot towards goal. Kuhl's shot sailed perfectly above the goalkeeper's gloves but just below the crossbar for the opening goal.
Just over 10 minutes later, Grace's lead was doubled. Shelby Fort made a leading pass to Joana Schimmel in the middle of the field. Schimmel quickly ate up the open space and unleashed a shot at the top of the penalty box, which took a deflection on its way into the net in the 14th minute.
The rest of the half was controlled by Grace's ball movement. The Lynx had four shots before halftime, but only one of which was truly threatening.
The Lynx managed to pull back a goal in the 75th minute against the run of play. That goal was the first tally surrendered by Grace, snapping a 345-minute scoreless streak by Grace's defense.
With two minutes to play, Allison Vroon effectively ended the Lynx's threat. Jenni Phillips crossed a pass toward the penalty box. Vroon trapped the ball and lofted a well-placed shot over the goalkeeper just before Vroon was chopped down on her follow through.
Vroon's goal proved to be critical as Lindenwood managed to produce a goal off a scrum in the last 40 seconds for the final 3-2 scoreline.
Schimmel led all players with five shots, and Sacia Hanson and Corinne Villalobos also had two shots.
Bethany Blackwood picked up her fourth win of the season as goalkeeper, saving three shots in the process.
The Lady Lancers hit the road next week with a road trip to Arizona. Grace will play No. 14 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) on Sept. 8 and Arizona Christian on Sept. 10.
