It was another game, another win and another step towards the forefront of the MIAA pack for the Belles soccer team after trouncing Adrian College 5-0 at home on Wednesday afternoon.
The Belles were spearheaded by the sweet touch of midfielder turned all-out attacker Sarah DuBree, who struck twice in the Belles-dominated affair. A strong first half coupled with a second half mix of strong defensive play and explosive power vaulted Saint Mary's into third place in the MIAA conference, 4-2 in league play and 5-4 overall.
Saint Mary's got on the board early and often by scoring three goals in the opening stanza. Lauren Hinton continued her offensive flair and notched the first Belles goal with an assist from freshman Mandy Thomson.
The women struck again fast and hard with Ashley Hinton striking the ball unassisted past Adrian keeper Reshia Jamison to put the Belles up 2-0. The final tally of the half was DuBree's first on a laser to the back of the net assisted by senior midfielder Carrie Orr.
DuBree saved her finest for last when she tallied her second goal nearly midway through the second half, the fifth for the Belles.
DuBree broke down the right side of the field before she encountered an Adrian defender. Unfazed, DuBree took her head on and muscled her way to the outside. Once in the open she controlled, took her shot and found her mark.
"She had a tremendous game," Belles coach Caryn Mackenzie said. "We've been playing her on the outside quite a bit, but moved her up today just to get a different look for her."
And did it ever work. DuBree was in on the numerous Belles rallies deep into Adrian territory and worked the ball well around the helpless defense. Normally, DuBree plays outside halfback, but Mackenzie knew the flexibility of her hard-nosed player.
"She did a great job [at attacker] and we're very pleased with her play and effort," Mackenzie said. "That's a good thing to know, that we can slide her in there and have another forward to play with."
The Belles scored their fourth goal 15 minutes into the second half on a shot from Thomson, assisted by Lauren Hinton. Hinton broke through an Adrian midfielder on the right side and passed up to Thomson. Thomson turned and bent the ball over the keeper's head with just enough room to spare below the crossbar.
The two-goal second half was outstanding considering the conditions faced. With nearly 25 minutes remaining in the game the rain started to come down with force and turn the field into a slippery bog, but the Belles continued to get it done and advance their season along.
"Loved our unselfishness," Mackenzie said. "It was a good team effort, got to see some women get off the bench that haven't had some opportunities. Also, got to move some people around and play them in a few different places, which was good."
The Belles will next see action against at home against Tri-State University on Saturday at noon, a school that is winless MIAA play thus far this season. The Belles are excited to have a chance to play another game on their home turf.
Mackenzie summarized Adrian's game and the rest of the week.
"Overall, we're very pleased with our effort and unselfishness and am looking forward to playing on Saturday at home," she said.
