East Kentwood Soccer: EK in the News: 2007 Women - E. Kentwood undefeated heading into districts

2007 Women - E. Kentwood undefeated heading into districts
Thursday, May 24 by Bruce Lund  The Grand Rapids Press
The East Kentwood girls soccer team hopes the postseason treats them better this year than the past two years.

The unbeaten, second-ranked Falcons won the first of what they hope to be several championships in the next few weeks by defeating Jenison 4-0 in the O-K Red tournament championship Wednesday.

The Falcons failed to make it out of the first round of districts last year, despite winning the conference championship and being ranked in the state, but coach John Conlon is happy with where they stand.

"This is the toughest conference on this side of the state," said Conlon, after winning the league title for the third time in five years.  "It's just a credit to our strong senior class.  Sometimes the players don't get enough credit and the coaches get too much, but this group of girls deserves a lot of credit."

Whether or not Conlon wants the credit, there was plenty being given from the opposing sideline after the game.

"John runs a great program," said Jenison coach Jason Snyder, in his third year.  "He's built them into a power on this side of the state.  They really make you pay on every mistake and limit your opportunities."

Jenison made their strong tournament run as a six seed but were overmatched by a determined Falcons squad that has not lost a game at home in two years.

East Kentwood got on the board just over a minute into the game as senior captain Jenna Fagerman scored after receiving a pass from fellow senior captain Nicole Dulyea.

Dulyea got in the scoring column after a corner kick caromed off Jenison goalie Morgan Littin to make the score 2-0 at the half.

Freshman Becca Means scored three minutes into the second half and sophomore Kelly Dunbar scored the final goal with 16:30 remaining.

With five out of nine seniors signed on to play college soccer next year, the crew is trying to enjoy their final postseason, one they hope will last longer than last year's.

"This just sets the stage for the postseason," said Dulyea.  "We are a united group, and it's nice to be able to finish out this great home win streak in our last game on this field."

East Kentwood (17-0-1) will play West Ottawa on Tuesday in the first round of districts at Loy Norrix, and Jenison (10-7-1) will play the winner of Muskegon and Grand Haven on Thursday at Rockford.