Women’s soccer: Olivet loses heartbreaker to Hope, 2-1

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College women's soccer team came back to tie the game before Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) leader Hope College scored a late goal to edge the Comets, 2-1, today at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet.

The Flying Dutch took the 1-0 lead in the 34th minute. Elizabeth Perkins gathered her own rebound of a shot off the cross bar and sent a second shot into an open net. Olivet had a couple great chances to net a goal in the first 45 minutes of play. The first was a header by freshman Emily Reinecke sailed just wide left of the goal, and the second was a shot by sophomore Megan Peplinski off a corner kick.

The Comets broke through with the game-tying goal in the 70th minute. Freshman Isabelle Leon sent a pass to sophomore Amber Hamad who dribbled past a defender and rocketed a shot past the keeper and into the center of the goal. Hope scored the game-winning goal with only four minutes and five seconds left in the game on a set piece.

For the game, Olivet was out-shot 20-9. Hamad led the way with three shots. Junior Deanna Zolnoski played the entire game in goal and made eight saves.

The Comets (2-3-1, 0-3 MIAA) play Alma College Saturday at Scotland Yard in Alma at noon.