Wyoming, MI – It was an action-packed first game of the year for the Grace Christian University women's soccer team on a hot Saturday afternoon at Velting Field, with the Tigers eventually prevailing over the Calumet St. Joseph Crimson Wave, 5-3.

Things were knotted at 3-3 at the halftime break before the Tigers scored twice in the final period to break free for their season opening victory. Jennie Sue Pilieci led the Tigers with three goals, while Aubrey Bristol scored once and assisted twice, and Haley Pilka recorded one goal and one assist. Amiah Lake recorded six saves in her first game in goal.

"It was nice to finally get the season going," said Grace Head Coach Mike Riemersma. "Just practicing with yourself is difficult to get a sense of what you do well and what you need to work on. With that being said, the first half was a little rough but I felt we did a good job of hanging in when it wasn't going our way and settling in as the game progressed.  I was really pleased with the second half. After a couple of adjustments at halftime I felt the girls responded well and accepted our challenge of keeping them from finding the back of the net in the second half. We have a long way to go but I really like the makeup of this group. I'm looking forward to seeing how much of our potential we can realize come November."

The Tigers return to the pitch this Wednesday against their second straight NAIA opponent, Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, IN.