The first half started with the immediate tone that the game would be physical and fast. The Falcons managed to string several passes together, while the Lancers quickly returned a counter attack during the 4th minute of the game. A foul was called on the Falcons setting up a free kick from the right side of the goal from approximately 30 yards away. The lady Lancer delivered a perfect crossing pass to another Lancer who leaped into the air and headed the ball. The Falcon defense lost their mark and our goalkeeper attempted to punch out the cross. The lady Lancer struck a perfect header into the back of the net for an early score. Even though an early disappointment the lady Falcons did not get discouraged, kept their spirits up, readjusted and immediately shrugged off the setback. After the score the game became even more intensified and physical with hard tackles, fighting for balls in the air and on the ground. Each team had their moments of stringing several nice passes together, making runs on the defense and trying to control the flow of the game. The defenses played superb while knocking down the attacks with hard tackles and speed. The defenses did an excellent job of keeping few shots on goal, settling the ball and working hard to create a counter attack. The first half ended with the Falcons having 0 shots on goal while the Lancers had 1 shot on goal. The first half ended with the score being, Lancers 1 to the Falcons 0.

The second half started out with an intense competition where the referees were letting the ladies play. The Falcons had a confidence they could play their game and compete with the mighty Lancers. The Falcon midfielders did an excellent job keeping pace with the speedy Lancers and competing for the ball in the air and on the turf. The Falcon forwards made several great runs and breakaways that put relentless pressure on the Lancer defense. The name of this game though was the powerful defenses. Both the Falcons defense and the Lancers defense kept the scoring opportunities to a minimum. The lady Falcons did put on pressure and several scoring threats in the final 10 minutes of the game where a score appeared to be imminent. Several breakaways and good runs gave the Falcons scoring opportunities but unfortunately we were unable settle the ball, make the perfect pass or put the ball in the net. The second half had the Falcons with 2 shots on goal while the Lancers had 3 more shots on goal. The hard fought game ended with the score being, Lancers 1 to Falcons 0.

The Falcon forwards played excellent while showing an energy and effort through out the game that tested the Lancer defense. The heart and drive of the forwards were evident while showing the mighty Lancers we could compete. The forwards were led by senior Taylor Rohde, senior Sonja Gustafsson, sophomore Darby McFall and junior Jessica DuBridge.

The Falcon midfielders had a fantastic game managing the game, at times controlling the middle, dropping back on defense and leading the scoring attacks. The Falcon midfielders were led by senior captain Emily Payne, junior captain Madison Black, sophomore Lena Gustafsson. senior Ranae Maloney, senior Jessica Romeo, junior Rachel DuBridge, senior Shanan McFall and senior Kathryn Balch. Junior captain Madison Black had an exceptional game.

The Falcon defense showed us their pride and skill by playing toe to toe with the talented and skilled Lancer offensive machine. The Falcon defense held firm and strong with a play that was smart and physical. The speedy and skilled Lancers scored early which time the defense made their adjustments, raised their level of play and shut down the Lancer attack for the rest of the game. The defense offered very little to the Lancer offense while keeping them from getting off any good shots on our goal. The Falcon goalkeeper was junior captain Emily Johnson who played like a champion directing the defense and stopping anything close to the goal. Emily Johnson took the wind out of the Lancer attack several times by her aggressive play, quick feet and sure hands goalkeeping. The defense was led by senior captain Jordin Carlson, senior captain Kalynn Morano, junior Kacey Lilly, junior Rachel DuBridge, senior Shanan McFall and sophomore Megan Keating. It should also be noted that senior captain Jordin Carlson had an excellent game.

It took a team effort to compete and challenge an awesome opponent. Every Falcon player on the sidelines or on the field played a major role in the game. Each player contributed 100% effort in the game and competed with our opponent. I would also like to recognize and thank teammates sophomore Claire Covert, junior Kyla Miller and junior Sarah Shaughnessy for staying in the game mentally and supporting their fellow players. Our mantra of, "we start as a team and we finish as a team" will always be on our minds. We truly are developing into a team, not individuals, that will challenge and compete with any team we play. The experience of playing such a good program in the Lancers has made us stronger, wiser and more prepared to go forward in our season ahead. We thank and wish the lady Lancers nothing but the best in their upcoming season.