GRINNELL-The Central College women’s soccer team withstood a flurry of Grinnell shots and made an early first-period goal hold up for a 1-0 win on Wednesday evening.

The Dutch wasted no time in this one, as defender Liz Daniels (junior, Oconomowoc, Wis.) scored less than six minutes into the match.

“Liz can get those goals, which is why we push her up on those set pieces,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “It was huge for us. I am very proud of how she played and led us as a captain. She does what she does. That’s the best I can describe it.”

The first period played out rather quietly, as the two teams combined for five shots on goal. Grinnell held a slim advantage in shots (7-6) and shots on goal (3-2), but the Dutch led in corner kicks (3-0).

Goalkeeper Savana Robinson (freshman, Des Moines, Hoover HS), making the second start of her collegiate career, made two saves in the opening frame.

The Pioneers (3-2) applied more pressure in the second half, attempting 10 shots, six of which were on goal. But the Dutch defense held strong.

“We bent, but did not break,” said Kobylinski. “As a unit, it was a team win. We will always take team wins.”

Robinson made six second-period saves to preserve the one-goal lead as Central posted its third shutout win of the season. Kobylinski also noted the efforts of Brittany Hinton (junior, Davenport, West HS), Hannah Davy (senior, Cottage Grove, Minn., Park HS), Kayla Sunvold (freshman, Runnells, Southeast Polk HS) and Gabbi Muse (junior, Waukee).

Forward Alayna Bailey (senior, Des Moines, Hoover HS), midfielder Julie Wunder (senior, Muscatine) and Daniels led the Dutch attack with two shots apiece. All four shots by Wunder and Daniels were on goal.

“Alayna did a lot of work up top, which often goes unnoticed unless she scores,” said Kobylinski. “She did not post a big stat line, but what she did was as vital to our success. Brittany and Hannah had great games, as did Kayla, who is turning into a very good left back. Gabbi was all over the field and played all 90 minutes. Her contribution cannot be overstated.”

Grinnell finished with a significant advantage in shots (17-8), but led by only two in shots on goal (8-6). Central held the advantage in corner kicks (6-4).

“It was an intense, great game,” Kobylinski said. “The second half Grinnell pushed the envelope a bit and pushed numbers forward. We were just trying to hold on. It is not easy to start the season with five away games, so sitting 3-2 is pretty good.

“I have nothing but good things to say about Grinnell. They played their socks off and they are well coached. They definitely have the potential to win their league.”

Central (3-2) returns home against Maranatha Baptist (Wis.) (1-1) Saturday in its 2013 home opener. It marks the first meeting between the two programs.

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