On a cloudy and cold afternoon at Scotland Yard, the Alma Women's Soccer team hosted MIAA rival Hope College in a big match-up with playoff implications. After a scoreless first half and falling behind 1-0, the Scots used two second half penalty shots to earn the 2-1 victory over the Flying Dutch.

The program-best 15th win for Alma keeps the squad in second place heading into Saturday's final game, one point ahead of Kalamazoo. With a win over Albion, the Scots will secure at least second place, ensuring a home playoff game next Thursday.

"I thought our girls did a fantastic job of executing the tactical adjustments that we made going into the second half," said Alma Head Coach Jeff Hosler. "We persevered after going down a goal, knowing that our goals would come. I thought Morgan did an exceptional job in goal in her first career college start, as she was focused for all 90 minutes. The girls played with confidence in front of her and that is a credit to her."

After a first half that saw Alma with 10 shots to Hope's five produce a 0-0 score, the Flying Dutch took a 1-0 advantage at the 58:54 mark, when Nora Kirk completed an impressive shot that hit the back of the net, assisted by Cara Johnson.

The Scots did not panic, and less than 10 minutes later, Jr. D Brittany Dulyea (East Kentwood, Mich./East Kentwood) finished a penalty kick against Hope GK Megan Altieri to tie the game at 1-1 at 67:21. Then, with overtime looming, the Scots were awarded another penalty kick at 80:59, and Sr. M Annette Stromberg (North Muskegon, Mich./North Muskegon) hit the back of the net for the game-deciding 2-1 lead.

Alma Fr. GK Morgan Waier (Grand Blanc, Mich./Grand Blanc), making her first collegiate start in place of injured Sr. GK Monica Witt (Clio, Mich.), was outstanding, as she stopped six Hope shots and showed solid leadership on the pitch. 

Sr. M/F Carly Reising (Otsego, Mich./Otsego) led Alma's attack with nine total shots, with five shots on goal. Sr. M Becky Marton (Williamston, Mich./Williamston) and So. D/M Autumn Root (Haslett, Mich./Haslett) each had three shots, with one a piece on goal in the victory.

The Scots will conclude the regular season portion of their scheduled on Saturday, when they host Albion College at Noon on Saturday. The game marks Senior Day 2011 at Scotland Yard.