WMC: 3 OV: 0

The cardinals and warriors met for their last conference matchup at Warrior Soccer Stadium. It was a special night as it was senior night for the warriors' six seniors. It was also special because if the warriors won this game, they would outright win the Lakes 8 Activities Conference for the last time in its existence. 

For the first 10 minutes, the warriors came out flat with no energy or gusto. The cardinals controlled possession and created a few chances on keeper, Libby Mast (Sr.), although she would stay solid in those attempts. It wouldn't be until 15 minutes into the half until the warriors settled into the match and found some energy to begin controlling the game. This spark came from Hallie Lindale (Fr.) as she came off the bench and began to press and create opportunities in the middle/attacking third. From there, WMC was knocking at OV's door waiting to figure out how to play through their back-line. 

The first warrior goal would come at 20:30 from freshman Maria Eenigenburg's hustle play to win the ball on the flank and pass it in to Hallie Lindale, who brought it inside the box to create an opportunity. It would be deflected from Lindale's feet but Brooklyn Watts (So.) would be there to gather the ball and turn and laser it far post to beat the diving keeper. This would be Watts' sixth goal on the year. 

This would create momentum for the warriors. Their second goal, however, wouldn't come until Grace Sytsema (Sr.) was tripped outside of the 18 and Nadia Burr (So.) stepped up to take the free kick. She would strike it on frame and it would be headed in from a cardinal to put the warriors up 2-0 with under 8 minutes left. 

In the second half is when the warriors came to life. This is where WMC would create most of their opportunities and completely dominate the game. 30 seconds into the half, Eenigenburg drives down sideline and finds Watts, Watts finds Sydney Betten (Sr.) inside the box. Sydney tries to chip the cardinal keeper but it was unsuccessful. Then, 9 minutes later, Ally Oppenhuizen (Jr.) finds a great opportunity around the box- striking the ball low towards the left corner. The cardinal keeper was able to extend herself and bat the ball away before gathering her rebound. Ally would again find herself in another great opportunity, this time, the keeper was able to handle it easier. 

The third and final goal would come from Brooklyn Watts taking on defenders in the box. She ends up getting tripped up on the ball and the official signals to the PK spot. This was another lucky break for the warriors to net another goal to gain a more comfortable lead. Sydney Betten would step up and place it off the post and in for the 3-0 lead. 

For the last 15 minutes, the warriors would have some more chances, some from sophomore Kaiya Betten, however, the clock would run down to keep it 3-0. It was a great team win and from that final whistle, the warriors cheered for their earned conference title! This would make WMC 7-6-4  overall and 6-0-2 in conference. 

WMC will travel to Whitehall to play the vikings on Wednesday at 6:45 PM.