Grace College’s Mallory Rondeau works Saturday night against Bellevue. Rondeau’s late goal helped the Lady Lancers to a 1-0 win. (Photo provided by the Grace College Sports Information Department)

WINONA LAKE – Grace College’s women’s soccer team began the 2015 season with a statement win, defeating No. 16 Bellevue 1-0 on Saturday.

Mallory Rondeau scored the game winner in the 87th minute, propelling the NAIA 15th-ranked Lady Lancers to a memorable season-opening victory.

With just three minutes remaining in a scoreless NAIA Top 25 battle, Rondeau dazzled her way through the left side of the Bruins’ defense and slipped her shot underneath the charging goalkeeper. The ball rolled just inside the far goalpost, electrifying a packed crowd at the Miller Athletic Complex.

Grace outshot Bellevue 14-6 overall in the match, including 9-3 in the opening frame.

The first half featured a strong possession attack from the Lady Lancers, resulting in nine shot attempts. The Bruins (0-1) had their share of chances as well, but neither team was able to produce a tally before halftime.

Grace’s speed and depth began to take its toll on Bellevue in the second half as the Lady Lancers asserted even more control of the game’s possession. Voss used eight substitutes liberally in the match, including the first career appearances for freshmen Aubrey Feipel, Allison Vroon, Clair Snodgrass, Shelby Fort and Kristen Bellinger.

Grace nearly scored the game’s first goal in the 75th minute. Freshman Shelby Fort made a mesmerizing run at the top of the penalty box and unleashed a hard shot. The Bruins’ goalkeeper pushed Fort’s shot wide, and the ensuing rebound shot from Jordan Hairgrove whisked wide of the goal.

Each team sent players forward in attack in the final five minutes, but it was Grace who eventually broke onto the scoreboard. Rondeau’s strike was her 41st career goal and her 15th game-winning goal.

Rondeau led all players with five shots and four on goal, and Hairgrove tallied three shots.

Abby Schue posted the shutout win in goal for Grace, thanks to the strong defending of Heather Martin, Meredith Matson, Faith Voehringer, Erica Manchess and Snodgrass.

“There are several positives from this match. This was a good result against a very solid team. Bellevue was physically strong and is a quality top 20 team,” said Grace head coach Michael Voss. “I’d like to see improvements going forward. We weren’t as polished as I’d like, but that will come with time. It was good to sprinkle players throughout the match to develop chemistry.”

The Lady Lancers’ next match is on Tuesday at 6 p.m. against Mid-America Christian. The men’s team will also play Mid-America Christian at 8 p.m. in a doubleheader at Miller Athletic Complex.