Michigan Tech defender Molly Bolang attempts to wrestle the ball from a Ferris State forward during a game Sunday in Big Rapids. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Tech University)

BIG RAPIDS — Ferris State scored netted goals in both halves to down Michigan Tech 2-0 at the Bulldog Soccer Field on Sunday afternoon.

“Another tough loss but big props to our team for the effort today,” Huskies coach Melissa Kuhar said. “We battled for 90 minutes and had energy on the field and from the bench We outshot Ferris State as well as had a 6-0 advantage in corners. We created countless chances in the attack-we just have to find a way to score. I’m proud of this group and we keep working to get better. Eventually the goals will come and the results will swing our way.” 

Michigan Tech (4-8, 2-7 GLIAC) in its second meeting with Ferris State (6-3-3, 5-2-1 GLIAC) in two weeks outshot the Bulldogs but were unable to find the back of the net with an 18-12 advantage in shots, although FSU held a 9-5 lead in shots on goal.

The Huskies had urgency in the opening minutes, outshooting the Bulldogs 3-1 in the first 12 minutes of action with MTU’s best chance at a goal in the first half coming from midfield at the 11:50 mark when Molly Bolang delivered a pass down the far sideline tracked down by Julia Pietila making a cross through the box to an open Avery McNally who fired a shot from the left side of the goal just wide of FSU’s net, an unfortunate trend for the Huskies in the game. 

MTU registered two more shots wide of the net before the Bulldogs would take a 1-0 edge in their third shot of the day from Isabella Baron, recording her first career goal in the 24th minute. 

Natalia Leavens streaked down the near sideline and towards the box before firing a cross to find a trailing Baron who used her left foot to fire a shot into the right corner of the goal and net her first career goal.

Michigan Tech produced three corner kicks in a row after the midway point of the period but could not get past the pesky Bulldog defense.

Huskies goalkeeper Bri Barrows made a big save with six minutes to play in the half, with a diving save keeping MTU in the contest down by one heading into the break. 

The second half of a physical match showcased three yellow cards as the offensive production ramped up, with the two teams combining for 18 shots. 

FSU’s Katherine Welch netted her fourth score of the season, giving the Bulldogs an insurance goal 18 minutes into the second period. The Bulldogs seemingly set up the second goal the same way as the first half goal, only this time the Huskies defense was able to block the initial shot from Elliot Ford as Welch found the loose ball on the left side fired from her right foot into the net.

Michigan Tech had a chance to escape the shutout when Pietila fired a sliding shot just outside the 18, passing the Bulldogs goalkeeper on the right side with under a minute to play, although the goal was taken away due to a whistle called for a foul, stopping the play before the shot was taken.

Veterans Pietila (five shots, one on goal) and Kiersen Korienek (four shots, one on goal) paced the offense for the Black and Gold. Barrows recorded her second seven-save game of the season, seeing 12 shots.

Bulldogs goalkeeper Morgan Gillian earned her third shutout of the season, recording five saves on 18 shots faced. Elliot Ford and Brinley Bell each recorded three shots with two on target to lead FSU.

UP NEXT

The Huskies return to Kearly Stadium for a weekend of GLIAC contests, facing Purdue Northwest on Friday at 5 p.m. and Roosevelt for Senior Day on Sunday at noon.