Lady Buffs Top No. 11 Bellhaven

By Wes Holtsclaw
STAR CORRESPONDENT

   The Milligan College Lady Buffaloes got their game on Monday afternoon, and completely outplayed the eleventh best squad in the NAIA.
   Backed behind two goals from Alicia Rosendahl, the Lady Buffs toppled the Bellhaven Lady Blazers 2-0 at home, and made their case as one of the top teams in the NAIA.
   "The girls have been playing really well," said Milligan coach Marty Shirley, "The first half was good, and it gave us enough to get us the win. We played good defense in the second half, but never clicked offensively."
   Bellhaven (7-4-1) brought a loaded team from Mississippi, but with Emma Wirkus and Salem Wood helping back Rosendahl, Milligan got the upper hand in a tough contest.
   "They played a good game, Emma had a great game protecting the goal; Salem played some solid midfield, and Alisha had two nice goals today."
   Milligan opened the contest with several good shots, dominating the midfield area keeping the ball in their territory.
   Bianca Spoto made a valiant effort for the Lady Buffs, with Deniece Kitchin pulling out some great shots in her well rounded game.
   Bellhaven goalie Ruth Hicks played an outstanding first half of play before Kitchin and Katie Lindemann shots set up a tip in from Rosendahl to give Milligan a 1-0 lead.
   Kristin Leuice and Sarah Kennedy strove hard to build the Lady Blazer momentum back, but they were stopped again.
   An attempt from Salem Wood tipped off the head of Kitchen, onto Rosendahl's forehead before tipping inside to give Milligan a 2-0 advantage going into the second half.
   Milligan battled hard in the second half with Rosendahl doing a lot of good things for the Lady Buffaloes.
   Kim Morris and Bianca Spoto both gave Ruth Hicks a handful late in the contest, but she held her composure for the Lady Blazers.
   Bellhaven got the ball inside Milligan territory several times in the second half, but good defense was too much for them.
   Beth Hopkins got the best shot of the afternoon for Bellhaven before the time expired, but it just missed the top of the goal giving Milligan the 2-0 win.
   The win brings the Lady Buffs to a 12-2-1 record, and states their case for a top ranking in the NAIA. However, they have two big contests coming up against Union College and this Saturday at home against Covenant.
   "That game Saturday gives the winner a decent shot at first place," said Shirley, "Union is still at the top, but hopefully we can get back at them."
   Saturday's match begins at 1:30 p.m. at Milligan College.