Early stumbles once again plagued the Otsego Bulldogs as they hosted Wolverine Conference foe Three Rivers. Just four minutes into the match the visitors put a goal in over the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Ambre Powell. The Dawgs, as they have been forced to do many times in recent memory, were left digging out of an early hole. It didn't take long in this one as Lauren Nieboer found Gracie VerHage with a beautifully played pass for a goal in the ninth minute. Three minutes later the home squad took the lead on the back of a Cait Kitchen goal. Three Rivers would level the score 19 minutes in on a goalkeeper error by Powell that allowed the Three Rivers forward to pop in an easy one from close range. From that point on, the Bulldog leadership took control and left their mark on the match.

Gracie VerHage added two goals before halftime, the first of which was assisted by fellow Captain Erica Drobny, to stretch the Otsego lead to 4-2. The second half saw the hosts play a more determined and gritty game in the midfield closing down space and winning more 50/50 balls. This pressure, combined with an increase in possession, allowed the Bulldog attack to light the fuse on a powder keg of goals. The first to strike was Kitchen as she popped in the rebound to a good, low VerHage shot to make it 5-2 just three minutes into the second half. Cait completed her hat trick 51 minutes in off of a VerHage cross from the right side, and  added her fourth of the night on 74 minutes on an impressive 45 yard dribbling run up the left flank. Gracie added an eighth goal for the Bulldogs, assisted by McKenzie Milton late on to seal the win.

Gracie VerHage finished the night with 4 goals and 2 assists on 9 shots. Caitlin Kitchen had a very efficient night, scoring 4 goals on 6 shots. Nieboer, Drobny, and Milton all chipped in an assist apiece. Ambre Powell finished the night with 4 saves in the win. Seniors Erica Drobny, Kara Jubenville, and Colleen Waters all had excellent performances in terms of ball winning, distribution, and efficiency. Alexis Petty was a rock in the heart of defense as usual, and she had help from a host of young players beside her and on the wing. Player of the Game honors went to Gracie VerHage, as she gave her team an early birthday gift (Her 17th is on Tuesday) with a 6 point night.

The team travels to Vicksburg on Wednesday for another Wolverine Conference matchup at 6:45pm