CSM Vaults into MCAC lead beating Bellevue 1-0

The second half was looking like a Bellevue party when out of nowhere Sara Berens was able to beat her player on the right flank and get deep into the box with about 9 minutes to go into a 0-0 tie with Bellevue.  Sara crossed it with her right foot.  We had numbers in the box but the ball went over Melissa King's head.  Ramsey Miller was able to shoot it on goal.  Save by the Bellevue keeper!  But wait, the ball went right to the Flames Cindy Fibich, who shot it.  The keeper got a hand on it but pared it within reach of Melissa King who knocked it home from about 3 yards out.  GOOOOAALLLLLLLL! 

Seriously, the goal came against the run of play in the second half.  Bellevue was having all the possession and the Flames were chasing the game.  However, CSM had a moment of brilliance to turn the game in their favor.  The last minutes of the game, the Bellevue Bruins tried to attack with a series of long balls.  CSM was up to the task and were able to thwart the aerial attack and shutout the Bruins.

CSM had a good first half but was unable to match the energy of the Bruins for a majority of the second half.  I feel fortunate to beat the Bruins and hope that we play better the next time we face them. 

In the second half, our defense came up with a couple heroic saves from off of our own line.  Senior Jessie McLaughlin blocked a sure goal with the right side of her face and had to leave the game for awhile.  She was able to bounce back and go back in with 10 minutes to play (and let me tell you, she played hard.)

With a win next weekend vs York, the Flames will host the conference tournament for the first time in 3 years.  Let's hope the Flames capitalize on their good fortune versus a much improved York squad.

Swanger played the whole game in the Flames goal making 6 total saves.  Our other Keeper Mollie Jones was out for most of the week with illness but was available at the game. Allyssa Valquier was unable to attend the game due to illness.  Other Flames have also been battling illness this week.  At the end of the game, any feelings of sickness turned to joy with the big win.

Shot totals: CSM 10 shots.  Bellevue, 8 total shots.  Bellevue's keeper had 6 saves also.

It is a big win for the Flames who now have a few days off over their fall break.  Hopefully we will be ready to come back and finish the season strong!