Grace College goalie Abby Schue is a big reason why the Lancers are undefeated and ranked No. 7 in the country. Sophomore Schue is a former star at WCHS (Photo courtesy of Jeff Nycz)

WINONA LAKE – Grace College women’s soccer coach Michael Voss has a lot to like about his team.

His roster is loaded with young ladies who are smart, funny and great students in the classroom.

They also happen to be outstanding players on the pitch too.

The undefeated Lancers, whose roster features plenty of former area stars, are off to a tremendous start this fall at 8-0. Grace checked in at No. 7 in the latest NAIA Coaches Poll, the highest ranking in program history, after knocking off then No. 2 Northwestern Ohio 2-1 at home last Saturday night. Northwestern Ohio was the NAIA national runner-up in 2014.

“The ranking is a blessing and an honor, but it is not something that we are focused on,” said Voss in a phone interview Thursday. “We are focused on who we are.

“I know that I like this team. These are great kids and great students. I do not think that we are at our full potential yet. I have no idea what we can do, but I’m excited to find out.”

A big piece to the puzzle for the Lancers is their outstanding keeper Abby Schue. The former standout at WCHS is making an impact in goal during a stellar sophomore season.

“I really haven’t had to do much this year,” said Schue Thursday, downplaying her role on a team that has outscored its opponents 19-4. “It’s been a team effort. I give all the credit in the World to our defenders. I think that we have one of the best defenses in the nation and I couldn’t do it without them. I’m very thankful for our defense.”

Schue, who posted shutouts in the first five contests of the season, does admit that with so few shots coming her way it’s tough sometimes not to just become a spectator.

“It’s fun to watch the game, but I have worked on my mental toughness and staying aware,” said Schue. “I feel that I’ve grown as a person and a player at Grace. It’s great and helpful to have coaches and teammates that support you. This team has great chemistry. It’s also great to play with players who I played with our against in high school too.”

Voss, who is in his ninth season at Grace, says in the grand scheme of things it’s not bad if Schue is bored in the goal.

“She does get bored, but it’s a healthy disconnect if that is the case,” remarked Voss. “The thing about Abby is that she makes the key stops when we need her to. She has worked on her mental game and she’s done an excellent job being spot on when she has to be.

“Abby had a very good start when she came to Grace. She’s athletic. She can run. She can jump. We have worked to fine tune her skills. Coach (Jon) Hoover has done a fantastic job with her, but Abby has put in the effort. She wants to be better.

“Abby is also a goofball and hilarious, like a lot of the girls we have on this team. They have the right balance and I love that about this team.”

The Lancers, who were 17-5-3 last year and reached the NCCAA National Championship game, own wins over four ranked teams this season. It is also just the second undefeated non-league start to a season in program history.

The outstanding duo of Mallory Rondeau and Meredith Hollar and are right in the thick of things again this season for Grace. Senior forward Rondeau, who starred at Wawasee High School, leads the team with five goals and 11 points. Junior forward Hollar, who starred at WCHS, has four goals and nine points despite being limited by a sprained ankle early in the year.

Rondeau booted home the game winner in the win over Northwestern Ohio in the 72nd minute. She also assisted on the first goal, which was scored by Hollar. Rondeau has three game winning goals and Hollar two this season. Schue had six saves in the biggest win in program history.

“Those two are a handful and are bringing it,” said Voss of his dynamite duo of Rondeau and Hollar. “They worked hard in the offseason and training camp.”

Freshman defender Clair Snodgrass, another product of the outstanding program at WCHS, has played in six matches with three starts.

“The local players are important to our program here,” stated Voss. “We have players from all over the country, but area players are a very important piece. We want kids who fit our mold here. Players who love the Lord and are ballers.”

The Lancers are blessed to have plenty of those.