The Alma College Scots Women's Soccer team are the 2010 MIAA Champions after a 3-0 victory at Albion. The win gives the Scots the school's first-ever league title in the 21-year history of the sport.
The team becomes the #1 seed in the upcoming tournament and will have a bye in Saturday's first round. Alma will host a semi-final on Tuesday against the winner of Saturday's game between Adrian and Olivet. Tuesday's contest at Scotland Yard, begins at 4:00 p.m.
"Winning the title was an opportunity we talked with the girls about before the game, an opportunity we have not had for 21 years at this school, and we did it today, winning in convincing fashion," said Scots Head Coach Jeff Hosler. "We were ready to go from the beginning, and I have been impressed with this group, as they have shown that they never feel overwhelmed. To go through league play undefeated is pretty special.
"It feels very good to be the first to win a league title for Alma. It was a goal when I took the job five years ago, to win an MIAA Championship, we have worked towards it and to accomplish it, is very rewarding."
The game was played in blustery conditions, with winds gusting over 40 miles an hour at times. Playing into the wind, the first half, Fr. M Taryn Handyside (Montrose, MI/Hill-McCloy) scored at the 12:45 mark, unassisted off of an Albion turnover. The first half ended with the Scots holding the 1-0 advantage on the scoreboard and 4-3 in shots.
Alma, playing with the wind behind their backs in the final frame, struck just five minutes in, as Handyside scored unassisted from the top of the box at 50:53. The Scots made the advantage 3-0 at 52:15, when Jr. F Alli Meurer (Holland, MI/Zeeland West) scored off of a volley, assisted by Handyside.
The shots on in the second half favored Alma by a 10-5 margin, and for the game, JR. GK Monica Witt (Clio, MI/Clio) had four saves for the win and the shutout. Handyside and So. M/F Elaine Cunningham (Ada, MI/Forest Hills Central) each had three shots.
"The girls are excited about winning the league championship," added Hosler. "But, they know another goal of theirs is to win a tournament championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament. They are looking forward to hosting as a #1 seed, and we are ready to get going in the semi's."
The Scots finished undefeated in league play, going 7-0-1 and are now 13-4-1 for the season. The Britons fell to 3-3-2 in the MIAA and 4-10-3 in 2010.
