BARRIEN SPRINGS, Mich./GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Mount Mary College soccer squad kept up its most prolific season in school history, winning two of three on last week's schedule. In the team's first overnight trip of the year to central Michigan, Mount Mary fell at Andrews University 4-1 Friday afternoon before posting a gritty 4-3 win against Grace Bible College on Saturday.

"The long bus ride meant that we were not ready to play," head coach Joe Shokatz said. "It was our first real road test of the season and we just were not ready when the whistle blew. We had a few line-up changes at the last minute and I did not get the girls ready to play."

Mount Mary's lone goal came from junior Emily Ristow (Sheboygan, Wis.) in the first half, but Andrews tacked on two in the opening stanza to own a 2-1 lead at the break. But the six-hour-plus drive was too much for the

"We fought the whole game and Emily provided us with some chances on a few good setups from Cynthia, but we were down at the half and with no subs, our mood was not good. We gave up two quick goals in the second half and couldn't recover."

Due to injuries sustained in the very physical loss to Andrews, Mount Mary opened Saturday's game against Grace Bible College with just 10 healthy bodies. Yet despite adversity, Shokatz was pleased with the way his team fought.

"The girls regrouped the night before and the time together really paid off," Shokatz said. "We played our best all-around team game, getting great contributions from everyone."

Ristow put away two first half goals with assists from freshman Cynthia Covarrubias (Milwaukee, Wis.) and junior Lauren Renz (Jefferson, Wis.), and a beautiful free kick put the Blue Angels up 3-1 at the half. But competing one player short took its toll into the second half, as defensively Mount Mary started showing fatigue. Add in a brief injury to Ristow and the Tigers were able to storm back to tie the game at 3-3 with just minutes left in the game.

Ristow returned to score what would be the game-winner with just eight minutes to go, and senior goalkeeper Kirby McMahon (Grayslake, Ill.) withstood some very physical play from Grace to snatch the hard-fought victory on the road.

"I really credit our captains and their leadership to help keep the girls focused and involved," Shokatz said. "I am really happy with the growth of this team."