The Kellogg Community College women’s soccer team opened its first fall competition season since 2019 Wednesday with a 1-1 tie against conference opponent Lake Michigan College.
The home game for the Bruins went into double overtime under feels-like temperatures in the mid-90s on campus in Battle Creek, a day new Head Soccer Coach Levi Butcher called “scorching.”
The contest was a “back and forth affair” throughout, Butcher said.
“LMC showed their class in the first half, scoring their goal from a nice cross from the right flank,” Butcher said. “We settled down and played much more connective soccer in the second half and were rewarded with a goal from a set piece. The rest of the match was about grinding out a result, and our players left every ounce of energy they had on the field.”
Freshman forward Ellie McGarry (Bellevue/Olivet High School) put the Bruins on the scoreboard, with an assist from super sophomore Rachel Bammer (East Leroy/Harper Creek High School). Goalkeeper Maya Ruelas (Kalamazoo/Home School) held the Red Hawks off on defense, with seven saves over 110 minutes in goal.
“Our center back pairing of Rachel Bammer and Allison Biergeder (Battle Creek/Pennfield High School) put out a few fires in the extra time periods that kept the score level,” Butcher said. “We’ll look to improve on this first performance on Saturday when we travel to Livonia to take on Schoolcraft College.”
Up Next
The Bruins hit the road this weekend to take on Schoolcraft in a game starting at noon Saturday, Aug. 28. The team’s next home starts at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, against conference opponent St. Clair County Community College on the soccer field by the Miller Gym on campus in Battle Creek.
Admission to all KCC home games is free.
For more information about women’s soccer at KCC, visit kelloggbruins.com or contact Head Women’s Soccer Coach Levi Butcher at wsoccercoach@kellogg.edu.