The Eagles Girls Junior Varsity team traveled to Forest Hills Central to take on the Rangers. The Rangers got off to a strong start with an early goal within the first 5 minutes. The Eagles tried to go down the byline to escape their half for the first 35 but struggled to find feet for any connection.  With the first half ending 0-4, The Eagles adjusted at half time and went higher with their defensive block. Switching between having 1 or 2 forwards created options as an outlet for the Eagles as they found space to attack in the second half. After connecting a few shots and having a better run in the second half, the Eagles were unfortunately shut out for a 0-5 loss. The Eagles take on the Bryon Center Bulldogs in their next contest, this time on our home grass field. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 pm at Gainey.

For the first time this season, the Eagles get a chance to play on their home grass field. Taking on the Northview Wildcats, the young Eagles look to get their 3rd win of the season. Playing with the wind at their back in the first half, the Eagles put Northview to the test with a plethora of shots. Credit to the Wildcats goalkeeper for her positioning and resilience to deny Grand Rapids Christian. In previous games, the Eagles found their goal-scoring opportunities from counter-attacks and forward runs but the 1st goal of this contest came from creativity out wide. Sophomore Danielle Barton and Freshman Natalie Gray used their change of direction and speed to unbalance defenders, creating space for them to dribble on the wing until Barton took a shot that the Wildcat's goalkeeper tipped into space. Freshman Marie Line Henderson, always actively moving, pounced on the loose ball and put away her 3rd goal of the season. After regrouping at half-time with a 1-0 lead to build on, the Eagles found a rhythm and played to the tune of 2 more goals. Showing a growing confidence in their play, Freshmen Ally Scrotenboer and Ella Wolters gave the Eagles a different look in transition by receiving drop passes and making great decisions. The intentional passing showed a clear difference from earlier in the season as the Eagles enjoyed purpose in their possession of the ball. After a penalty kick conversion from Barton, the Wildcats shifted to a low block which opened up space for center mid's Kaylee Enders and Linnea White. Striking the ball from range requires proper technique and Linnea connected well to convert the final goal. The Eagles are now 3-0-1 (W-T-L) for the season and travel to Forest Hills Central for a 5:00 pm game this Wednesday.

  Coming off a home win, the Eagles arrive in Lowell with a purpose and determination to win on the road. Grand Rapids Christian showed initiative going forward, often connecting with center forward Olivia Glisson. However, Lowell's game plan of high-pressing in a 4-4-2 / 3-5-2 formation produced problems for the Eagles to solve in their defensive half. Showing her quality as a captain and CDM, sophomore Kaylee Enders moved with motive to get her team out of trouble. In the middle of containing opposing players and protecting the half-space between defense and midfield, Ender’s passing showed fellow teammates where to play the ball. Sophomore captain Danielle Barton followed up by looking to play in behind Lowell, when her pass found freshman Marie Line Henderson on a breakaway leading to goal. Leading at half-time 1-0, the Eagles sought to build on their position in the second half. Shifts by freshmen Anne Sepa, Victoria Mejia, and Laura Vandersloot showed an ability to challenge the 50-50 balls and shield off ensuing pressure. Goalkeepers Payton Nol and Annelise Kuiper showed sturdy hands to lead the second shutout win of the season. The Eagles move to 2-0-1 (W-T-L) on the season and head back to training before a weekend invitational at Portage Central.

For the 2nd game of their season, the Eagles Girls Junior Varsity team hosted Middleville Thornapple-Kelloggsville (TK). With the focus in practice being on shape and positioning, an Eagles defense led by sophomores Anna Angell and Kaitlyn Aupperlee proved difficult to break down. The foundation created by these players, including freshmen defenders Ally Schrotenboer and Natalie Gray, created freedom for players further up the pitch and opened up a splendid first half of transition soccer. Going into the 2nd half with a 0-0 deadlock between the Eagles and the Trojans, fatigue was evident between both sides. With neither team connecting fluid passes, rotations were key and substitutions provided depth. A key element of the game, attacking space, was spearheaded by sophomore Danielle Barton as she sped up when others slowed down. Working together with her midfield unit and connecting with attackers alike, she put her team in positions to score. In the chaos of it all, freshman Logan Campbell proved to be a constant, finding the ball and connecting for a clean 1-touch finish to score the Eagles first goal of the season. Heading into spring break, players will be on hiatus and resume play on 4/14 against Lowell.

To start the season, the Eagles Girls Junior Varsity team traveled to South Christian's sports complex to take on the Sailors. The contest proved to be a good challenge for both teams as possession was shared and opportunities were created on both ends of the pitch. The Eagles transitioned from defense to offense by finding space out wide but were stifled by a solidified Sailor's defense. Sailors struck first with a strike from range, but were met by pressure by the Eagles to close the 1st half at 0-1. After an eventful 1st half, the following period proved to be much more difficult for the young Eagles as the Sailors applied intense pressure. Final score ended in a 0-5 loss for Grand Rapids Christian. The Eagles take on Middleville Thornapple-Kellogg in their next contest, this time on home turf. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm at Eagle Stadium.