In a scrappy, fast paced non-conference match Wednesday night at Bulldog Stadium, fans witnessed a tale of two halves. The first half was decidedly in favor of the home team, with the Bulldogs pinning Hastings deep in their own end for a good portion of the half. Hastings had to feed off quick counterattacking play, and they did well to earn themselves a few quality chances throughout the half. McKenzie Milton notched her first goal of the season to open the scoring 16 minutes into the contest after tapping in a far post rebound off a Gracie VerHage shot from the right side of the 6 yard box. Just a few minutes later, Ambreanna Powell played a great ball up the right wing to Erica Drobny who turned to beat a defender, prepared the ball, and deposited it into the far upper corner of the Saxons' net. 

Hastings would answer back earning a corner kick from one of their quick counterattacks. The service came in, and it was a good one. There were a lot of bodies in the mix, but a Saxons player had the composure to settle the ball and slot it home past a diving Matti Rayman to make the score 2-1 in favor of the Bulldogs. With 16 minutes left in the first half, it was Ambreanna Powell again turning provider on a beautifully placed Gracie VerHage goal from 15 yards out to extend the lead for Otsego. Halftime score: 3-1.

The second half was nearly all Saxons, with the tables turning and Otsego having to settle for some quick and powerful counterattacking opportunities. Hastings was consistently first to aerial balls and 50/50 challenges on the ground, and it led to their dominance of the half. Otsego seemed flustered after a slow and sloppy start to the second frame, and gave the ball away cheaply a number of times forcing them to chase the game and leave gaps in their back line. Two goals for the Saxons in a matter of 3 minutes (53rd and 56th minutes, respectively) turned the tide in the match and you could see and hear the momentum change. Both goals were preventable mistakes in the eyes of the Bulldog coaching staff, but certainly came because of the constant pressure the Saxons were applying.

Though the final 8 minutes of play saw the Bulldogs mount a number of good attacks, particularly up the wings through the likes of Cait Kitchen, Erica Drobny, and Mckenzie Milton, they couldn't put away the winner at home. Two corner kicks in the final minute of play were deflected just wide of the Hastings goal, and the result was cemented. A disappointing draw after being ahead at the half, but a good learning experience for the players and staff headed into Wolverine Conference play next Wednesday as they host defending conference champs Paw Paw.

Player of the Game: Gracie VerHage