For the second consecutive season, the Alma Women's Soccer team hosted a first round playoff game at Scotland Yard that ended in a shootout. Unlike last year, where Alma prevailed over Olivet in that format, today Albion College broke the hearts and ended the season for the Scots, as they won 3-2 in the shootout.

The game technically goes into the record book as a 0-0 tie, so Alma finishes their 2009 season with a final record of 9-7-3 (5-2-2 in the MIAA), while Albion improves to 8-4-5 (4-3-2) as they head to the league Semi-Finals at Adrian College on Tuesday afternoon.

"I am really proud of the fact that we left everything we had on the field today, and that our effort was never in question," said Alma Head Coach Jeff Hosler. "It is a tough way to end a season, but I believe we will learn from this and grow moving forward. Our program has made some very good strides, and we have building blocks in place that we need to get to the next level." 

In a game that was a microcosom of the Scots' season, the home team had the advantage in both shots and scoring opportunities, but could not find the back of the net. In the end, it allowed a very capable Albion team to walk off the pitch with a victory.

The final tally for shots on the blustery and cold afternoon was 23 for Alma to Albion's 10, with the Scots having the shots on goal advantage by a margin of 11 to four. Alma Midfielder Elaine Cunningham (Ada, MI/Forest Hills) paced the way with seven total shots, five of which were on goal, while Albion Midfielder Ali Lindow led the way for the Britons with five shots, two on net.

In the shootout, Alma Defenseman Brittany Dulyea (E. Kentwood, MI) and Midfielder Carly Reising (Otsego, MI) connected on the first two shots against Albion GK Caitlin Bowman for a 2-0 advantage. However, as the Britons were good on their next three attempts against Alma GK Monica Witt (Clio, MI), the Scots needed to continue to score to advance.

Unfortunately for the home team, Midfielder Annette Stromberg (N. Muskegon, MI), Midfielder Kelley Walsh (Linden, MI/Fenton) and Forward Jessica Swan (Romeo, MI) each were unable to convert, and the Britons moved on to the semi-finals.