The Grizzlies second match up of the week did not turn out quite as well as their Pueblo triumph. Adams faced the Colorado Christian University Cougars for the first time this season and was unable to capitalize leaving the score locked at 0-0 after double over time. The teams played this past Sunday on the Grizzly’s Murphy field here in Alamosa. The Grizzlies held the advantage in shots taken with 26 compared to a total of 15 by the Cougars.
The Grizzlies seemed to set the pace in the first half of playing, tallying a 16-3 shot advantage. The roles were the switched in the second half as CCU took 8 shots to the Grizzlies’ 4. Though many chances were had by both teams, neither was able to capitalize and get a point on the scoreboard. One of the closest chances was in the 84th minute of play when former Grizzly Mallorie Kenczewicz took a shot from slightly outside of the 18 yard box and nearly made it, but the save was made by Grizzly keeper Kirsten Dorsey who made a leaping save, which was then cleared by her defense.
Kenczewicz did not stop her pressure there as she continued penetrating the defense and took another shot in the 87th minute, which was again saved by Dorsey. The shut out is Dorsey’s second of the week and third of the season. The teams would finish out the second half still tied at zero at they moved into overtime play.
The Grizzlies would come out strong, taking four shots in the first overtime, while CCU only recorded one shot taken by Ashley Yearout that nearly went in but hit off the crossbar and was cleared by ASC.
The second overtime was very evenly played, with three shots by the Cougars and two by the Grizzlies. Excitement came with only 30 seconds left in the game as the Grizzlies were awarded a corner kick, which was taken by Kaylee Smith. The kick was cleared out by Cougar goalkeeper Signorile but went out of bounds and gave the Grizzlies another corner kick opportunity. Smith again took the kick, which caused a pile of players from both teams into a very intense fight over the ball close to the 6 yard line. Grizzly Sophomore Erika Bendele would take two shots in the pile-up mess, one of which ended up in the back of the net. The Grizzlies however, were called for pushing and the goal was not counted.
CCU’s goalie recorded five saves throughout the competition and picked up her seventh shutout of the year. Ashley Sales and Jessica Hellweg led the Grizzlies offensively, each taking five shots in the game. With the tie, the Grizzlies have tied the school record for the longest unbeaten streak.
The Grizzlies now move on to face New Mexico Highlands for the second time this season on Friday afternoon in Las Vegas, N.M. They then head back home to Murphy field where they will face UCCS on Sunday at 2 p.m. The next two match ups are critical for the Grizzlies in order to make it into the playoffs; they are only one point behind Mesa State and UCCS who are fighting for the 5th and 6th slots in the league. The Grizzlies are now 6-10-1 overall and 4-8-1 in the league and they hope to boost their record this coming week as they move on to face Highlands and UCCS.
What’s Been Said…