Grace defeats Tigers, reaches semifinals

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Grace’s women’s soccer team finished top of its pool at the 2021 NCCAA National Championships thanks to a 2-0 win over Central Christian on Wednesday.

The Lady Lancers used goals from JJ Aalbue and Lea Fricke to defeat the Tigers and close out pool play.

As a result, Grace will advance to the national semifinals on Friday. Grace will play either Trinity Christian or Ottawa in the semifinals. With a win on Friday, Grace would play for the national championship on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

It did not take Grace long to get on the scoreboard against Central Christian. After a short corner kick, Lea Moessinger passed to Aalbue in space on the left edge of the penalty box.

Aalbue took care of the rest, blasting a hard rocket that kept CCC’s goalkeeper flat-footed as the ball flew into the back of the net.

Grace continued to apply pressure and kept the Tigers pinned back on their defensive end.

The Lady Lancers moved the ball at will against CCC and racked up nine shots before halftime.

Grace found its second goal after another corner. Aalbue’s corner was headed by Lea Fricke, and the ball looped above the goalkeeper into the net.

At halftime Grace led comfortably 2-0. The Tigers were held to three shots with none being on target.

Grace’s advances continued in the second half. Aalbue and Madison Tuma each tried long-distance shots that threatened.

Aalbue also had two 20-yard free kicks that missed the mark.

Grace possessed the ball fluidly against a determined Tiger defense. CCC had few advances into its attacking end of the field as Grace controlled play throughout the 90 minutes.

But despite Grace taking nine shots in the second half, including five on goal, the Lady Lancers were unable to add to their lead. Grace secured the 2-0 shutout with little trouble.

Libby Stratton recorded the shutout by making five saves for Grace. She was protected well by Amber Meade, Victoria Lucido, Kimberly Aalbue, Aitana Arguis, Anna Kuhl, Erin Crew and Paiton Miller.