Local Sports Journal

The Western Michigan Christian Warriors captured a 4-2 girls soccer victory over Freedom Christian on Thursday. The game was played at Warrior Field.

“This was another competitive game,” WMC coach David Hulings said. “Our work ethic and conditioning really paid off tonight.”

WMC received a first-half goal from Brea Frein with an assist from Alexys Riksen.

After Freedom tied the score, the Warriors scored the next two goals. Riksen scored 8:43 into the second half with assist from Kati South. Senior Julie Merz made it 3-1 with help from Alli Langeland.

Freedom was able to cut the deficit to 3-2, but Riksen scored her second goal of the game in the final minutes. Merz was credited with an assist.

“Freedom wanted to play a little bit more physical than we have played so far and it was good to see the girls step up and bring a physical side of their game,” Hulings said. “We won several tussles tonight and we were able to score from them. It is good to know that we can play a physical game.  

Hulings also lauded the efforts of his reserve players who stepped up.
“I thought the reserves did a great job of creating a lot for us,” Hulings said. “Katie South got an assist and Brea Frien, starting in place of injured players, got a goal.  We needed to see that, as they have been working especially hard in practice.”
WMC had a 26-8 advantage in shots.