Anderson Races Past Franklin with Historic Win

The Anderson University women's soccer team improved their Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference record to 2-0 on Saturday with a 3-0 victory over the Franklin College Grizzlies. The win was the Ravens first win over the Grizzlies since October 5, 2010. 

Anderson (3-5-1, 2-0) came out strong against Franklin (2-7, 1-1), wasting no time taking chances on goal. Within the first 10 minutes, the Ravens notched three shot opportunities. The chances kept coming for the Ravens and it was only a matter of time before one of the shots found the back on the net. Jessica Pulaski (Centerville, Ohio / Centerville) became the Ravens first goal scorer in the 26th minute of the match. Pulaski found the back of the net after following a Holly Garrett (Dayton, Ohio / Dayton Christian) shot that the Grizzlies goalkeeper initially saved. Through the remainder of the first half, the Ravens continued to fire shots, outshooting the Grizzlies 15-2. Heading into halftime, the Ravens controlled the game with a 1-0 lead.

Eight minutes out of halftime, Lillie Casey (Loveland, Ohio / Goshen) extended the Ravens lead. Taylor Fort (Pendleton, Ind. / Pendleton Heights) assisted Casey after fighting off a Grizzlies defender on the goal line and dropping the ball back to Lillie who was standing about 10 yards out from the goal wide open. Lillie hit the shot one touch into the center of the net, right past the keeper to give the Ravens a 2-0 lead.

Lillie Casey then took two more chances, before once again finding the back of the net in the 64th minute. This time, Jessica Pulaski assisted Casey. Pulaski started the play at the half-field line when she slotted the ball in-between two defenders to an on-coming Casey. Lillie then took three touches before cutting the ball into her inside and shooting from just outside the 18-yard box. The shot bounced just in front of the Grizzlies goalkeeper and past her hand to give the Ravens a 3-0 lead.

Even with a comfortable lead, the Ravens continued to fire shots. None of the Ravens final shots found the goal, but Anderson completed the game with a 3-0 victory.

Anderson controlled possession through most of the 90 minutes of play. They continuously applied pressure on the Grizzlies defense with shot opportunities and passes between the defenders. In total, the Ravens outshot the Grizzlies 27-4, with 15 shots on goal compared to one. Goalkeeper Emmalee Paarlberg (Franklin, Ohio / Homeschool) picked up her first career shutout as a Raven. Lillie Casey led the Ravens offensively. She scored two of the Ravens goals, took 13 shots, with 8 being on frame. The Ravens had five corner kicks compared to the Grizzlies zero. Both sides committed eight fouls each.

Head Coach Jennifer Myhre had the following to say after the match: "[Saturday] was a total team win and we are proud of the energy, pressure, and attacking mindset we displayed all across the field. Our wings did a great job staying disciplined out wide and taking players on. The composure in the box and extra effort to follow up and keep the ball in play has been key. It's been a great week of soccer and [we] look forward to building upon it this week!"

The Ravens hit the road on Wednesday, making the short trip over to Richmond, Ind. to take on the Quakers of Earlham College (1-7, 0-2). Kickoff is at 3:30PM.