The Valparaiso University women’s soccer team downed former league foe Oakland Saturday evening in Rochester, Mich. by a 2-0 final in both squads’ exhibition finale.

How It Happened

• Valpo claimed the lead with Saturday’s matchup approaching halftime in the 45th minute. Natalia Kontul (Solon, Ohio/Solon) sent a corner kick to the far side of the box, where senior Cory Griffith (Lemont, Ill./Providence Catholic) out-jumped the defense and headed it home at the back post to put Valpo on top.
• The Crusaders doubled their advantage in the 56th minute. Freshman Peyton Flynn (Poplar Grove, Ill./Belvidere North) found fellow rookie Emily Engler (Northville, Mich./Mercy) down the left flank. Engler won the end line and crossed to senior Caitlyn Oliver (Commerce Township, Mich./Walled Lake Northern), who finished off of the Golden Grizzlies’ goalkeeper to make it 2-0 Valpo.
• Valpo would close out the shutout from there, with sophomore Kezia Gesell (Winnipeg, Manitoba/Glenlawn Collegiate Institute) and junior Courtney Johnson (Pewaukee, Wis./Pewaukee [University of Illinois Springfield]) each playing a half in goal. The Crusaders also had 22 field players see action on Saturday.

Thoughts From Coach Marovich

“I was pleased with how our back four held their shape and gap distance today. It was great to score multiple goals again, and I was happy with the improvement we made from our last performance. We are looking forward to the start of the regular season Friday night.”

Next Up

Valpo opens up the regular season at Green Bay on Friday evening at 7 p.m. Live stats will be available via ValpoAthletics.com.