Kellogg Community College’s brand-new women’s soccer team kicked off its inaugural season last week, splitting its first two games for an even 1-1 record for the first week of play.
Below are details from each of the Bruins’ first two games. To sign up to receive emails with soccer results following each women’s soccer game, visit www.kellogg.edu/soccer and fill out the “Get KCC Athletics Results by Email” form on the left side (desktop) or bottom (mobile) of the page. You can also follow the women’s soccer team:
Head Women’s Soccer Coach Eierí Jordán Salivia can be reached at 269-565-2860 or saliviae@kellogg.edu.
Wednesday, Aug. 28: MCC 9, KCC 0
The Bruins took a hard 9-0 loss to conference opponent Muskegon Community College in their first away game Wednesday, Aug. 28.
From Coach Salivia:
“First game of the season and first game with our new team in the NJCAA. Our Bruins certainly learned during this game what is needed to play collegiate soccer and the Jayhawks helped us see that. While the score doesn’t represent it, the skill level of our ladies is there, they just need to trust their own skills and don’t let nerves get the best of them.
“We had a heart-to-heart conversation during our half-time talk and they completely changed the way they were playing during the second half. Our defense got compacted and was able to protect the box much better, which led to our midfielders and forward more freedom to attack.
“The future looks bright, especially as players continue to develop and get used to the speed of play at this level. We were able to see some of our student-athletes gain confidence pretty quick and rise to the occasion, such as the cases for Natalie Bicego and Ari Jones. They both stood out, Natalie with her anticipation and ability to read the game from the center midfield. Ari with her quickness, physical dominance and perseverance from our defense.”
Friday, Aug. 30: KCC 2, Ancilla 0
The Bruins rallied for the team’s first home game Friday, Aug. 30, defeating conference opponent Ancilla College 2-0 on campus in Battle Creek.
Forward Baylee Willis (East Leroy/Climax-Scotts High School) scored both goals for the Bruins; defender Natalie Bicego (Warren/Cousino High School) had an assist; and goalkeeper Cacey Hirleman (Battle Creek/Harper Creek High School) made 13 saves over 90 minutes of play.
From Coach Salivia:
“Our ladies really pushed through a new threshold today. With only 11 on our bench and at one point even playing with nine on the field, they demonstrated what it means to defend home with heart and passion.
“Their perseverance, skill and excitement to demonstrate women’s soccer is here to stay got them the win today. Tactically, we had a very short period to restructure our attack between last game and today. However, our ladies are working really hard to represent KCC and absorb what the coaching staff is trying to convey.
“I feel very pleased and impressed with the commitment of our team. Dedication has a price, and the whole coaching staff feels very happy the team has been able to enjoy the fruit of their labor.”
Up Next
The Bruins play next starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at home against Lakeland Community College. Admission to all KCC home games is free.
For more information about KCC’s women’s soccer team, including a full team roster, schedule and links to official team and player photos available for download by fans and the press, visit www.kellogg.edu/soccer.