Brinkman, Express Roll Past Kellogg 4-1

Erika Brinkman makes a save against Kellogg Community College on Sunday. The Express won 4-1. Photo by Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Erika Brinkman makes a save against Kellogg Community College on Sunday. The Express won 4-1. Photo by Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Toledo, OH---Kendra Eitniear and Sarah Weaver led the Express women's soccer team to a 4-1 win at the Owens Soccer Complex today.

Just four minutes into the match, Weaver scored on a cross from Jaime Sesock to put the Express up 1-0.

Then, at the 39 minute mark of the first half, Marissa Ramirez weaved her way through a bevy of Kellogg defenders and passed to Eitniear, who took a shot on goal. The ball ended up becoming an own goal as Kellogg's Ashley Nurenberg knocked it in - allowing Owens to take a 2-0 lead.

Kennedy McMurren then answered back quickly for Kellogg with a goal at the 40:32 mark to cut the lead in half.

The second half was all Owens, however, as they tacked on two goals to put the game away. Eitniear put Owens up 3-1 at the 58:57 mark on an assist from Jill Burkholder, and then Haley Kreger scored her first collegiate goal on an assist from Eitniear in the final minute.

Eitniear finished with one goal and one assist. Weaver's goal was her fourth of the season and temporarily tied her with Eitniear for the team lead. Eitniear's goal would give her the lead back, though.

Burkholder's assist was her sixth of the season, which remains the most on the team. Sesock's assist was her third of the year, while Eitniear's was her second.

Erika Brinkman played the entire game in goal for the Express and made three saves on goal.

With injuries mounting for the Express, backup goalkeeper Tayler Redinger saw action in the field for the Express in the second half. Melanie Gregory made her collegiate debut for for the Express.

The win was big as Owens (5-2-1 overall, 4-1-1 Region XII) remains just two points behind first place Delta College in the Region XII standings.

The Express will have three days off now before hitting the road to take on Ohio Northern University's JV squad on Thursday at 4 p.m.