WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace's women's soccer team made history during Saturday's win over Mt. Vernon Nazarene.
The Lancers set a new program record for most goals scored in a single season, doing so during the team's 4-0 victory at MVNU.
No. 17 Grace has outscored teams by a staggering 73-6 margin this year. The Lancers' 73 goals tops the previous record of 70, set by the 2018 team over 25 games. This year, Grace has scored 73 goals through 17 games (4.3 goals per game).
The defense for the Lancers (13-2-2, 6-2 Crossroads League) also earned headlines, recording the squad's fourth straight shutout (14th overall this year).
Grace dominated the stat sheet, outshooting the Cougars 33-2. The Lancers did not need long to get on the scoreboard in Saturday's game.
In the 8th minute, Grace earned a free kick. Rosalie Gefrorer collected the free kick pass and picked out Cassidy Felger in the penalty box. Felger quickly turned and ripped her shot past the goalkeeper for the game's first goal.
For Grace's second goal, Gefrorer and Felger combined again for a quick attack during the 20th minute. The result was a shot from Felger that produced a diving save. The rebound fell harmlessly to Ellie Grieser, who poked in the loose ball for a goal.
The Cougars were held without a shot for the final 39 minutes of the half, allowing Grace to roll into halftime with a 2-0 lead. Grace outshot MVNU 18-2 in the opening period.
The second half was nearly identical. Grace dominated time on the ball as well as shot attempts, leading to two more tallies.
At the 61:30 mark, Grace added its third goal. A few patient passes unlocked MVNU's defense. Ellie Grieser connected with Abby Hodkin, who scored to push Grace's lead to 3-0.
Eight minutes later, the Lancers scored their last. This time, Hodkin provided the pass; she beat a defender along the right edge of the field and passed to Rylee Burns. Burns immediately placed her shot inside the far post for the fourth and final goal.
Grace held MVNU to three shots and one corner kick in the match while collecting 33 shots and 10 corners offensively.
Ivy Cline registered the shutout in goal while making two saves. She was protected by the backline of Jaylin Young, Zoe Mueller, Elizabeth Maciejewski, Joya Lienammer and Heidi Kever.
The Lancers will end the regular season at home on Wednesday, hosting Taylor.
Grace currently sits in third place in the league standings, one spot ahead of No. 16 Taylor. The Lancers can finish anywhere between second and fourth place based on Wednesday's results.
