Ferris State 1, Parkside 0
It has been 495 days since the Parkside women's soccer team last touched the field for competitive game, but their return on Friday afternoon didn't go as planned. Ferris State jumped ahead early with a quick tenth minute goal, and held on for the remainder of the game to secure the 1-0 win.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
After the Bulldogs opening goal in the tenth minute from Emily Mergener, the visitors kept their foot on the gas. In the first half alone, they took nine shots compared to the Rangers two. In the second half, Parkside got a big opportunity to tie the game in the 54^th minute when sophomore Alexis Baker found herself behind the Ferris State defense. Unfortunately, the rushing Bulldog keeper deterred her attempt just enough, and it sailed wide right.
 
HEAR FROM COACH NIKOLIC
"It wasn't the result we wanted today, but it felt great to be playing again," said head coach Brittany Nikolic. "We improved as the game went on and are still learning a lot about ourselves every day. I'm proud of the effort and fight we showed today, and that will help us through the season."
 
STATWORTHY
Ranger sophomore keeper Izzy Guyer finished the game with ten saves, which is the second highest mark of her career. No Parkside player was able to force a save out of the Ferris State goalie, but Baker led the team with two shots in the contest. The game's lone goal came from Mergener, and was assisted by Mackenzie Dawes and Gabrielle Teodorescu. The Bulldogs outshot the Rangers 20-5, with the shots on target finishing at 11-0.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
Parkside will be back in action Sunday afternoon against Northwood at 2:30 p.m. Following, they will host Grand Valley State on Friday, March 26 at noon.