Sept. 2, 2009

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Lady Panthers soccer team posted their biggest win in program history today as they upset #25 and defending WHAC Champion Madonna University. The win is also the first in program history over the Crusaders and gives Coach Chris Allen his first notch in the win column.

The game started out very physical for both teams and went scoreless for the opening 20 minutes until the Crusaders got on the board on a ball played through the middle of the field that past DU goalkeeper Catherine Howard (Lowell, Mich.).

The Panthers responded though and tied the game on a beautiful goal from Britteny Willis (Hudsonville, Mich.) off a pass from Megan Powers (Hudsonville, Mich.) with just under 18 minutes to play in the opening half.

After coming out of the break tied at one, each team created a few chances in the early parts of the second half. At the 56:53 mark, Daniella Bugli (Shelby Twp, Mich.) got a free kick to sail above the Madonna keeper's head from 25 yards which gave the Panthers their first lead of the day.

Defense then stepped up huge as Howard finished the game with five saves. DU did get a few more opportunities to pull away but two shots rung off the cross bar late in the second half.

Davenport sealed their first win over Madonna in school history and their first win over a ranked opponent. The loss for Madonna is their first in league action since the fall of 2007.

The Panthers improve to 1-2-0 on the year with a makeup game against Bethel College (Ind.) set for Friday at 7:00 PM in Mishawaka.