The Varsity Eagles bowed out of the state tournament in the district final after going to penalty kicks vs. Holland Christian.  The match was a great showcase of high school sports as two rivals battled it out for 80 minutes of regulation and 20 minutes of overtime.  After a scoreless first half, the Eagles would strike in the opening minutes of the second half when Charley Hassenrik sent in a cross that was hammered home by Zuly Lathouwers.   The host Maroons would equalize not long after with a set piece that was headed home.   From there, the two teams would trade half-chances until Hassenrik was played through to goal by Stella Sheldon.   Hassenrik would make no mistake as she fired the Eagles to another lead with a perfectly placed shot to the far post.   The Eagles would keep that lead for some time, until the Maroons fired a shot across the face of goal that Annelise Kuiper did well to parry away, only to have an attacker slot home the rebound.  The match would remain even throughout the duration of regulation and over time periods, sending the match to penalty kicks.   Kuiper would make one great save during the spot kicks, but the Eagles would not be able to pull it out in the end.   The ladies displayed an incredible amount of Grit though out the match and the entire season.   Great season ladies!  

The Eagles advanced to the district final with a 3-0 win vs. Hamilton!   The ladies dominated play, keeping possession for long stretches of the match, but it wasn't until Camilla White found the back of the net with 10 minutes remaining in the first half that the Eagles gained a well-deserved lead.  Julia Timmer was credited with the assist.  The Eagles continued their solid play in the second half and eventually doubled their lead with a Charley Hassenrik goal off an assist from White.   Molly Hassenrik would finish off the scoring shortly after by cooling converting a spot kick after a Hamilton hand-ball in the box.  Annelise Kuiper earned the clean-sheet with one save on the night.

The Eagles advance to the district final against the hosts from Holland Christian at 6pm on Friday evening.  Come out to root on the ladies as they seek to win a district title!   Tickets are available only through GoFan at gofan.co/app/school/MI10154.   

The Eagles opened district play with a home match against the Holland Dutch.  The Eagles would score early when Charley Hassenrik slotted a ball across the face of goal that was inadvertently turned in by the Dutch, resulting in an own goal.  Hassenrik would tally a goal of her own minutes later off a great through ball by Camilla White.  Audrey VanderHeide would add to the lead finishing a goalmouth scrum off a corner kick from White.   In the second half, the Eagles would add another header goal from Stella Sheldon, off a corner kick from Kaitlynn Trook.  White would finish the scoring for the home side with a quality set piece goal.  The Dutch would pull one back late, with a great strike from distance that found the upper corner.  Annelise Kuiper and Addie Werdon would combine in goal for the victory.

The Eagles advance to the 7pm district semifinal against Hamilton on Wednesday, May 29, at Holland Christian.   Tickets are available at maroonsathletics.org/Tickets.  

The Varsity Eagles hosted the Lowell Red Arrows in the final game of the conference tournament.  The hosts started on the front foot with early pressure that resulted in an own-goal from Lowell off a Charley Hassenrik pull-back across the face of goal.   The Eagles would notch another tally when Stella Sheldon headed home a perfect corner from Kaitlynn Trook.   After Lowell pulled one back from a great finish in transition, the Eagles found the back of the net again when Hassenrik was taken down in the box.   She would calmly finish the spot kick to help the Eagles regain a two-goal cushion.  However, Lowell was not finished either and scored their own goal from a corner to cut the lead to 3-2. The eventful first half would continue as the Eagles added another superb header from Sheldon, this time from a Camilla White corner.  The Eagles would add one more when Sheldon deftly played a lofted ball to the far post to Hassenrik, who calmly slotted it past the onrushing keeper to stake the ladies to a 5-2 lead at the half.  

The second half proved to be a much calmer affair with no goals being scored.  The Eagles close out the regular season with a 10-7 record and now shift focus to the MHSAA tournament.  The ladies host Holland in a first round match on Wednesday at home with a 6:00pm kickoff.  Come out to support this fantastic group in their last home contest of the season!  

The Varsity Eagles hosted Greenville in the second round of the OK White tournament.  The ladies got on the board quickly, with Charley Hassenrik opening the scoring off a great pass from Stella Sheldon.   Julia Timmer would tally another not long after, tapping in a rebound from a Hassenrik shot.   Annelise Kuiper would score the third off a great strike with an assist from Camilla White.  Sheldon would add her own in the first half, with White being involved in the action again with a nifty pass.  Audrey VanderHeide would finish the first half scoring with a nice finish to the far post after another assist from Sheldon.   

The second half would see the Eagles finish the match early, with goals from Hassenrik (assist Kaitlynn Trook), Molly Hassenrik (White) and Julia Timmer (White).  Addie Werdon would earn her first start and clean sheet in goal.  

The Eagles will host a home match on Friday at 7:15 against the winner of Lowell and Northview, which is being played on Wednesday.  

The Varsity Eagles completed their busy week with a match at Forest Hills Northern in the first round of the conference tournament.  The ladies battled hard throughout and showed increased positive play in the second half, but could not overcome the strong host team and tired legs from a game the night before.  FHN would score 2 first half goals to claim the 2-0 victory.  Annelise Kuiper once again kept the Eagles in it to the end with a strong night in goal.   

The Eagles will return to action on Monday evening against the loser of the Byron Center vs. Greenville match, which is being played tonight.  

The Varsity Eagles defeated the visiting Holland Christian Maroons in a hard-fought battle.  Your home side scored two first half goals, both from Charley Hassenrik, with assists from Camilla White.   The second half found the Eagles tiring, but despite a Maroon goal midway through the half, the ladies were able to hang on for the 2-1 victory.  Annelise Kuiper made 5 saves on the night.  

The Eagles now face a quick turnaround with the opening match of the OK White Tournament tonight at Forest Hills Northern at 6:45pm.  

The Varsity Eagles traveled to Unity Christian to battle the #1 team in Division 3.  After conceding an early goal, the Eagles responded well and showed much GRIT.  The home side would add another midway through the first half, but the Eagles defended well against the high pressure attack of the Crusaders.   After regrouping at the half, the Eagles made some adjustments which allowed them to attack wide spaces more consistently.  Quality play from our attacking group eventually led to a fantastic goal from Charely Hassenrik, off an assist from Camilla White, who beat her defender and smashed one home from the left wing.  Despite a few other half-chances, the Eagles could not find the equalizer.   The defensive unit of Zuly Lathouwers, Ally Schrotenboer, Lydia Ydenberg, Ava Barton, Lilah Poel, and Molly Hassenrik defended superbly and Annelise Kuiper had another strong night between the pipes to keep the Eagles in the match.  The ladies are back at it against Holland Christian at home on Wednesday at 5pm.  

The Varsity Eagles completed their busy, 3 match week with a trip to Jenison on a beautiful Friday evening.  The Eagles would pressure the home side early creating quality scoring chances.  Kate VandenBerg, Camilla White, and Charley Hassenrik would all come close to scoring, with Hassenrik ringing a shot off the post.  While the scoreboard still showed zeroes at the half, the Eagles felt good about the positive play and consistent pressure on the Wildcat goal.   The team was resolved to change the scoreline in the second half and Kaitlyn Trook made sure the visitors staked claim to a well-deserved lead with an effort that found the top bin.   From there is was all Eagles as Hassenrik tallied another, while Camilla White calmly slotted home a penalty to finish the scoring at 3-0.   The defensive unit once again stood tall and Annelise Kuiper made a couple key saves off set pieces to earn another clean-sheet.   The Eagles return to action on Monday with a trip to Unity Christian for a 6:45pm match.  

The Varsity Eagles traveled to Lowell for their final conference match on a beautiful evening for soccer.  The ladies almost got off to a dream start when Charley Hassenrik was played in behind the defense and laced a left-footed effort off the woodwork.  The shot caromed off the bar and narrowly missed bouncing over the goal line.  The Eagles would continue to press in the first half and were successful in finding width and penetrating passes, yet they could not find the finishing touch in the final third.    The second half would see much of the same quality from the visitors, but it wasn't until Stella Sheldon found some space with 7 minutes remaining and blasted a thunderous strike to the far post that the goalkeeper got a hand to, but was unable to keep out.   The Eagles tested the keeper often in the second half, with shots on frame from Camilla White, Hassenrik, Zuly Lathouwers, and Julia Timmer, but the net-minder was up to the task on this occasion.   The Eagles saw out their lone goal and kept the hosts from equalizing, in spite of a few nervy moments late on.  Annelise Kuiper made a few key saves, especially one early in the first half, and earned the clean sheet.  The defensive unit of Molly Hassenrik, Ava Barton, Lilah Poel, Ally Schrotenboer, and Lathouwers stayed organized and were very composed in handling the Red Arrows' direct style of play.   The Eagles return to the pitch on Friday evening when they travel to Jenison for a 5:45pm kickoff.  

The Varsity Eagles were blessed with a beautiful night to celebrate our six amazing seniors!   The Eagles would take some time to find the back of the net against Greenville, but Julia Timmer would finally open the scoring about midway through the first half.   The ladies would go on to add two goals apiece from Stella Sheldon and Charley Hassenrik to complete the first half scoring.  Hassenrik would add two more in the second half and Camilla White would conclude the scoring with a goal of her own to finish the match at 8-0.  Annelise Kuiper earned the clean sheet in goal.  Thank you to our seniors: Audrey VanderHeide, Ella Wolters, Linnea White, Ally Schrotenboer, Natalie Gray, and Annelise Kuiper.  They have been a great blessing to our program and have taught us so much about faith, perseverance, loyalty, and grit!    We love you!

The Eagles traveled to East Grand Rapids for a tough conference showdown.  The Eagles again demonstrated a strong work ethic but struggled to keep up with the team speed of the hosts.  After conceding two early goals, the team settled in and found some footing.   An EGR handball in the box resulted in a cool finish from the spot by Camilla White.   Charley Hassenrik would equalize with a stunning strike from the left wing after beating two defenders to tie the match at 2-2.   The Pioneers would respond with a goal just before the break and add another in the second half to complete the scoring at 4-2.  Annelise Kuiper made many outstanding saves the keep the Eagles in the match.   The ladies will return to Eagle Stadium vs. Greenville on Monday night at 7:15.   We will honor our seniors at 7:00 prior to the varsity game.  

The Varsity Eagles hosted league foe Northview at Eagle Stadium on a nice night for soccer.  It wouldn't take long for the home side to get on the scoresheet as Charley Hassenrik scored on an assist from Camilla White just minutes into the match.   The Eagles would add another not long after on a solo run from White, who finished calmly at the far post to give the Eagles a 2-0 lead.   From there, the number of opposition defenders behind the ball frustrated the Eagles, who began forcing shot attempts.  A late 1st half goal from Hassenrik from a Julia Timmer assist helped settle the Eagles heading into the half.  The second half began much like the first, when Lydia Ydenberg collected her own rebound from a header and calmly finished in front of goal to increase the lead to 4-0.   The Eagles controlled play in the second half and moved the ball more quickly and efficiently which resulted in quality scoring chances and goals from Hassenrik (assist White), White, Audrey VanderHeide, and Ally Schrotenboer.   Kaitlyn Trook provided excellent service on corner kicks and earned two assists on the night.   The defensive unit of Lilah Poel, Ava Barton, Molly Hassenrik, and Ally Schrotenboer limited any Northview attacks and distributed well out of the back.  Annelise Kuiper recorded another clean sheet and finished with one save on the night.  The Eagles travel to East Grand Rapids on Wednesday night at 6:45 for a key conference match up.  

The Eagles faced another strong league foe on the road at Forest Hills Northern on Wednesday.   Despite some tired legs, the Eagles battled throughout and once again displayed a fantastic work ethic.  After conceding an early goal, the Eagles settled in well and narrowly missed finding the equalizer when Charley Hassenrik got in behind the defense and nearly poked the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper.   The second half would find the Eagles absorbing pressure and staying organized in the back.  Despite two more goals by the Huskies, the Eagles never quit and almost found the back of the net late when a Camilla White cross found Hassenrik at the far post.  A sprawling keeper managed to keep it out.   Annelise Kuiper had another strong night in net making 12 saves.  

The Varsity Eagles had a quick turnaround with a Monday match at Byron Center after two games in Portage on Saturday.  The Eagles were under pressure during the first half but goalkeeper Annelise Kuiper kept them in the game with an outstanding performance in goal.  The Bulldogs would finally break the deadlock with a goal late in the first half.   The second half would test the resilience of the Eagles as they battled not only a strong opponent, but also mounting injuries.   In spite of playing the majority of the half with no substitutes, the Eagles defended well, moved the ball efficiently in midfield and were a threat on the counter.   Byron Center gained some comfort with an unlucky deflected own goal to make it 2-0 midway through the second half, but the Eagles did not stop working and displayed tremendous GRIT and character to finish the match.   Annelise Kuiper finished with 14 saves on the night.  The Eagles travel to Forest Hills Northern on Wednesday at 6:45pm.  

The Varsity Eagles opened the Portage Invite with a decisive 4-0 win over the hosts.  The girls got off to a quick start with a goal from freshman Zuly Lathouwers about 10 seconds into the match.   Despite creating some other quality chances, the score would remain 1-0 at the half.  The Eagles went to work in the second half, adding a goal from Stella Sheldon and two from Charley Hassenrik.  Assists came from Camilla White, Sheldon, and Hassenrik.  Annelise Kuiper earned the clean-sheet in goal recording 4 saves.  

The second match pitted the Eagles against a talented and fast Plainwell squad, who advanced to the state semifinal last spring.  The Eagles also battled through some injuries throughout the match.  The Eagles worked hard but couldn't deal with the team speed of the opposition.  The match ended 6-0 in favor of the Trojans.   The Eagles look to rebound with a match at Byron Center on Monday at 6:45.  

The Varsity Eagles lost their first game of the season to the visiting Rangers of Forest Hills Central.  The Eagles defended well in the first half until they gave up a goal with only two minutes remaining.  The Eagles came out in the second half determined to be more proactive and to keep possession more consistently than in the opening half.   In spite of moments of positive play, the Rangers tallied their second goal off a goalmouth scrum from a corner kick.   The visitors would add one final goal to complete the scoring at 3-0.  The Eagles look to rebound with two matches at the Portage Invite on Saturday.  

The Varsity Eagles took on the Hawks of Forest Hills Eastern on a blustery night at Eagle Stadium.  It wouldn't take long for the home team to open the scoring when Julia Timmer sent in a cross from the right flank to a dangerous area where a Hawk's defender inadvertently knocked the ball into her own goal off an attempted clearance.  The Eagles kept up the pressure and were rewarded with a highlight-reel goal when Camilla White served a perfect cross to the far post where fellow freshman Charley Hassenrik was waiting to deftly finish in the top corner.   Hassenrik would add another tally not long after when she received a perfectly weighted through ball which put her in on goal.   She would beat the keeper with a calm finish to the near post to give the Eagles a 3-0 lead with 20 minutes remaining in the first half.   

Forest Hills Eastern would earn one back with a header off a corner kick in the second half, but Julia Timmer added an insurance goal shortly after to restore the 3 goal cushion for the Eagles.   The match would end 4-1 with Annelise Kuiper making 4 saves in goal for the Eagles, while the defensive unit of Ava Barton, Lilah Poel, Ella Wolters, and Molly Hassenrik stayed organized and limited FHE's chances at goal.   The Eagles also benefited from solid midfield play from Lydia Ydenberg, Kate VandenBerg, and Kaitlyn Trook.  

The Eagles are back in action after spring break when they face Forest Hills Central at Eagle Stadium at 7:15pm on April 10.  

The Varsity Eagles girls soccer team opened the season a day later than originally scheduled with a game at NorthPointe Christian.  The Eagles took some time to find their footing in the first half despite some moments of good connected play.  After a scoreless first half, the Eagles were determined to find some more width and play more penetrating passes.  Consistent pressure resulted in more scoring chances but it took an incredible strike from sophomore Stella Sheldon to open the scoring and give the ladies a deserved 1-0 lead.  Not long after, freshman Camilla White took on and beat multiple defenders and slammed home a finish off the underside of the crossbar and into the far corner.   The Eagles finished off the scoring with a nifty pass from Camilla White and a classy finish from Sheldon to beat the on-rushing goalkeeper to the far post.   The defensive unit of Molly Hassenrik, Ellla Wolters, Lilah Poel, and Ava Barton defended well and limited chances despite some speedy Mustang attackers.   Senior Annelise Kuiper showed up huge in goal and thwarted a Mustang breakaway attempt with a key save.  Kuiper made 4 saves on the night and earned a well-deserved clean sheet.  The Eagles are back in action on Tuesday as Forest Hills Eastern will visit Eagle stadium for a 7:15pm match.