Jackets Open Up HCAC Play with 2-1 Victory Over Anderson

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Defiance College women's soccer team claimed its third-straight victory, defeating Anderson University, 3-1, in its HCAC opener on Saturday, September 27. The Jackets climbed over the .500 mark for the first time this season, improving to 4-4-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play.

Stephanie Lieto gave DC an early 1-0 lead in the 21st minute, scoring the first goal of her career off a ball from Kaitlin Monberg. Anderson had an opportunity to tie the match on a penalty kick with two seconds remaining in the first half, but Colleen Cross was able to come up with the save to keep the Ravens scoreless through 45 minutes.

The Jackets carried that momentum over to the second half, as Monberg recorded her second assist of the day on Lauren Ranalli's score in the 47th minute to give Defiance a two-goal advantage. Anderson narrowed the gap with 13 minutes left in the match on a Deitrich header, robbing Cross' bid for a third consecutive shutout and pulling the Ravens within one, 2-1. However, DC would control possession for the majority of the remaining 13 minutes to pull out the victory.

Defiance outshot the Ravens 19-4, including 11 shots on goal. Monberg led the Jackets with four shots on goal, while Ranalli and Lieto each recorded two. Cross improves to 4-4 on the season, while recording one save in the match.

DC will return to the pitch on Wednesday, October 1, when it travels to Ada, Ohio for a 4:00 p.m. match with Ohio Northern University. The Jackets, who have won four of their last five, will look to continue their recent success against a Polar Bears squad that is currently 4-3-1.