TeamWork!

A number of players stepped up in a total team effort on Saturday for as the Hornets gained a 1-0 victory at Adrian College on a cool and blustery afternoon. The game opened with neither team really finding a rhythm and adapting to the conditions. In the 18th minute of play two Hornet defenders both challenged for a an air ball and incidentally ran into one another. What resulted was two K players having to leave the field as both sustained nasty cuts to the head. Right back Megan Burns and centerback Anja Burk (two pretty tough players) both left the field for medical attention. Already playing without junior Chelsea Smith (scheduled to return Tuesday) the two players leaving the field were replaced on the backline by sophomore midfielders Rachel Pitzer and Maggie Rogers. The rest of the Hornets stepped up their game and 4 minutes later, sophomore Julia Schroeder (pictured above) found some room down the left wing and left a rocket fly from 25 yds out. Hornets 1 Bulldogs 0. It was the first goal Adrian has conceded in their past five contests. In the second half the Bulldogs continued to pressure the Kalamazoo defense but the Hornets proved to be up to the challenge including several "almost" goals on the counterattack from Kalamazoo attackers Emily Gray and Maya Smolcic. A total team effort on the day would result in the Hornets posting their second MIAA win in as many tries and moving their overall record to 4-4-2. It is the first time in 8 years that the Hornets have opened the MIAA season with consecutive wins.

Health Update: So, due to popular demand. It's important to know that senior Anja Burk is doing well after her on field collision with Megan Burns. If you were at the game, you know Megan made a second half return after being cleared by the training staff on site. Anja was not as lucky. A three hour trip to the ER and 12 stitches later she was on her way back to Kalamazoo. A shot of her trophy gash is below. Yes, if you can tell, she is trying not to smile in the picture, but just could not hold back. Certainly, "Anja Tough" will be a phrase all future Hornets will need to become familiar with. Hurry Back!!!

Looking Tough and Trying Not To Smile

GO HORNETS!!!