Ionia 5 - Olivet 0

It's that time of the year when we don the purple jerseys in support of community cancer awareness. These games are always special for the players, their families and friends. Tonight, Olivet came to town and the Bulldogs were ready. Things didn't start off so well when striker Zane Sarka left the game shortly after kick-off due to injury.

Ionia remained undaunted and did a great job from the beginning keeping steady pressure on Olivet. Every time they tried to counter we had an answer with our defensive group holding strong. Our team play was pretty good overall which lead to the lion's share of the ball possession and when that happens you usually end up with more scoring opportunities.

Tonight we had several influential players and it's really difficult to single players out. There was a play however that really stood out on the night when Sr. captain Carter Castillo took the ball on an incredible, mazey run from box to box. He looked to be in prime position to score when he was fouled from behind - giving Ionia a penalty. Castillo handed the ball to first year senior, Evan Derusha, who stepped up to the the penalty spot. On the referee's whistle, calm as can be, Derusha sent the ball into the back of the net without a fuss. That is good stuff. 

Goals:
Gage Flanner - 2 - Gage led the offense tonight in scoring but also in his work rate.
Derrick Santana - 1 - Great goal to start the scoring and offered up a beautiful assist through a free kick late in the game.
Scotti Kimber - 1 - Two goals in two games. What's next?
Evan Derusha - 1 - Ice in his veins

Assists:
Gage Flanner - 1
Drew Paton - 1
Derrick Santana - 1

Alex Barr earned a clean sheet with 6 very good saves with one save in particular near the end where he stole a goal from the Olivet shooter.  

Overall Record: 4-4-1
Conference Record: 1-3-0