GRACE MEN’S SOCCER 3, LANCASTER BIBLE 2

With five minutes remaining in Saturday’s match, Grace’s men’s soccer team trailed Lancaster Bible 2-1 in the NCCAA regional championship.

Five thrilling minutes and two clutch goals later, the Lancers pulled out a 3-2 victory at 1st Source Bank Field.

The win gives the Lancers (13-3-4) an automatic bid to the NCCAA National Championships, starting Nov. 26 in Kissimmee, Fla.

Nikola Djordjevic was the hero of the day. He added to his penchant for game-winning moments over his career, scoring Grace’s first and last goals.

Saturday’s match was bitterly cold, with temperatures in the low-20s and winds carrying in cold air throughout the afternoon.

Grace was the aggressor early, keeping pressure on the Chargers’ backline. Josiah Osborn had an early cross from the endline that almost went in, glancing off the crossbar.

Seven minutes into the game, Breno Oliveira had a free kick. His pass fell to the feet of Ivan Santagiuliana, whose shot in front of the goal went high.

Lancaster struck first against the run of play. Grace made a misplay defensively, and the Chargers scored on a lofted shot into an empty net.

The Lancers found an equalizer not long after LBC’s goal. Oliveira lifted a pass toward the center of the penalty box, and Nikola Djordjevic alertly headed his shot above the goalkeeper’s reach and into the back of the net.

Grace had more chances to take the lead but failed to capitalize. Santagiuliana had another shot that misfired, and a late header from Colin Cape went wide.

The teams entered halftime tied 1-1. Grace held an 11-5 advantage in shots.

In the second half, Grace’s possession and attack put near-constant pressure on LBC. Ulisses Miranda, Boerema and Oliveira all had shots that were denied. Grace even had a shot that was cleared off the goal line by a Charger defender.

But despite Grace’s pressure, LBC took its second lead of the match with 20 minutes to play. The Chargers capitalized on another defensive error, quickly advancing into the penalty box and were fouled. LBC converted the ensuing penalty kick to go ahead 2-1.

Grace found its second equalizer of the match in the 86th minute. Boerema made a darting, weaving run from the left side of the field, and he blasted in his shot to the far post to make the score 2-2.

The Lancers’ attack seemed to wear down the Chargers, and the game winner came in the final minute.

Joshua Coupar tried a low, hard shot that was saved, but the rebound went to the far post. Djordjevic took care of the rest, tucking in the loose ball to send Grace’s bench into celebration.

For the match Grace outshot LBC 25-10, including a 14-5 edge after halftime.

Oliveira had a game-high seven shots, Cape had five shots, and Boerema and Djordjevic shot four times.

The Lancers will find out the NCCAA tournament field, bracket and game times in the coming days.

SPRING ARBOR WOMEN’S SOCCER 3, GRACE 0

Grace’s women’s soccer team was unable to secure its first Crossroads League Tournament title after losing 3-0 at No. 2 Spring Arbor on Saturday.

The offense for the No. 13 Lady Lancers (18-3) picked up momentum too late in the match, allowing the Cougars (17-1-1) to earn the automatic bid to NAIA Nationals.

The loss means Grace will need to await its postseason fate. The Lady Lancers will likely play in a national tournament, either as an at-large invitee to the NAIA National Championships or to the NCCAA National Championships.

The Lady Lancers are currently the No. 13-ranked team in the NAIA Top 25 with an 18-3 record. Grace’s only losses are on the road to teams currently ranked in the top 10 of the NAIA.

Grace absorbed SAU’s attack for the first portion of the opening half, but SAU still went ahead midway into the half. The Lady Lancers were intercepted in the midfield, and the Cougars countered directly up the middle to score at the 22:04 mark.

Corinne Villalobos tried Grace’s first shot 25 minutes into the contest. Her 20-yard shot forced a diving save by SAU’s goalkeeper.

Four minutes later, Sacia Hanson tried another long shot that was saved.

Grace proved most dangerous when the team found Joana Schimmel in space. Schimmel’s speed and craftiness threatened the Cougars on several occasions.

SAU entered halftime ahead 1-0 as Grace stayed within striking distance.

During Grace’s first foray into SAU’s territory in the second half, Hanson had a ricocheted shot that hit the side netting.

Grace attacked five minutes later. Schimmel received a pass on the left edge of the penalty box. She dribbled to a central position and tried a shot that resulted in a diving save.

The Cougars doubled their lead almost immediately on a counter. SAU’s Bethany Balcer netted her second of the match on a long-range effort with 30 minutes to play in regulation.

The Cougars capitalized on a defensive lapse to score their third goal as the Lady Lancers thought they had caught SAU offsides.

Grace’s offense seemed to find its rhythm in the minutes after SAU’s second goal, but the Lady Lancers were unable to find the back of the net.

Kristen Bellinger had a pair of free kicks from just outside of the penalty box. Her first try was blocked, and her second effort skimmed just wide of the goalpost.

With seven minutes to play, Bellinger sent in a long free kick which bounced multiple times in a dangerous position. But Grace was unable to find a clean look at a shot.

GRACE XC SEES RANKIN EARN ALL-AMERICAN STATUS

Grace’s cross country teams took on the 2018 NCCAA National Championships on Saturday morning.

Ben Rankin highlighted Grace’s day when he earned All-American status, leading the men’s team to a sixth-place showing. The Lady Lancers placed eighth out of 10 teams.

Rankin was named NCCAA All-American for the second time in his career. He crossed the finish line in 26:48, good for 12th place out of 71 runners.

Elijah Brooks was next for the men at 27:59 (29th place), and Brendan Hamilton (28:36) and John Marhakfa (28:47) finished in a tight pack.

“Four of our seven men’s runners had season-best times today, so it’s a very positive way to end the season,” said Grace head coach Jeff Raymond. “It was great to see Ben [Rankin] have his second straight strong race and make the podium.”

On the women’s side, Carmen Trier and Alison Coleman crossed the finish line just eight seconds apart. Trier had a time of 20:50 for 24th place, and Coleman posted a personal record 20:58.

The rest of the Lady Lancers finished in pairs. Heather Plastow (23:11) and Makenzie Adams (23:26) were just two places apart. Rebekah Rexroth (24:18) and Morgan Mower (24:49) rounded out Grace’s showing in 60th and 61st place.

“Carmen [Trier] ran a brave race on a tough course. She went out with the leaders and didn’t quite have the finish today, but it was a good learning experience that will pay off for her down the road,” Raymond continued. “It’s fantastic that Alison [Coleman] finished her career with a collegiate PR. She’s been through a lot in the past three years, but she has diligently and faithfully worked to get back to this point.”

Rankin will officially close out Grace’s cross country season next weekend with the NAIA National Championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

GRACE MEN’S BASKETBALL 90, EMMAUS 53

Grace’s men’s basketball team had little trouble downing Emmaus on Saturday, winning 90-53 in a rout.

The Lancers extended their winning streak to five straight to start the season, completing a perfect 2-0 weekend at the Trinity International Tournament.

Four players scored in double figures for Grace. Haden Deaton led all players with 23 points in 21 minutes. He did not miss a shot, going 8-for-8 from the floor and 4-of-4 from the 3-point line.

Charlie Warner was almost equally efficient. He scored 19 points in 20 minutes and shot 8-of-12 overall.

Jaret Sons tallied 13 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, and Braxton Linville handed out 10 assists without a turnover in just 15 minutes.

Noel Mpie had the best game of his young career, scoring 11 points with four boards. Eddie Gill IV notched six points with two steals, and Joseph Smith and Tim Swanson each scored four points.

The Lancers are on the road Tuesday with a game at Ohio Christian at 7:30 p.m.

GRACE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 87, HOLY CROSS 68

Grace’s women’s basketball team wrapped up the Leah Whitaker Classic with an 87-68 win over Holy Cross on Saturday.

The Lady Lancers (3-4) scored at least 20 points in every quarter, and the Saints (1-4) were unable to keep pace.

Vironnica Drake enjoyed a career game to propel Grace. Just hours after setting a career high with 24 points on Friday night, Drake bested her personal best with 31 points on Saturday. She shot 13-of-18 overall, including 2-of-3 from the 3-point line, and she added 6 assists, 5 steals and 4 rebounds.

Brooke Sugg had a well-rounded stat line with 16 points, 3 assists and 3 steals, and Pam Miller tallied 10 points and eight boards after shooting 4-of-4 from the floor.

Grace started the game sluggishly, trailing 14-7 after 3:43 of play in the first quarter. But Grace quickly caught up and trailed 23-20 at quarter’s end.

A 3-pointer from Kamryn Hostetler put the Lady Lancers ahead early in the second quarter.

Grace ripped off eight unanswered points late in the period, thanks to five points from Sugg.

Brooke Treadway beat the buzzer with a hoop, putting Grace on top 40-33 at halftime.

The Lady Lancers’ cushion grew to double figures in the third quarter, and Holy Cross was never able to produce a rally.

For the game Grace shot 57 percent from the floor, including a sizzling 65 percent after halftime. The Lady Lancers made 10 triples and also hit 11-of-13 from the foul line.

The Saints shot 46 percent from the floor and were outrebounded by 15 (36 to 21).

Kaylie Warble tallied six points and five rebounds, Lexi Minix had six points and two steals, and Kamryn Hostetler added six points and three assists.

The Lady Lancers return home next weekend with the Carol Forbes Classic at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center.