BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – The Panthers, who have played good teams very close this season, had the Bulldogs on the ropes throughout the 90-minute match. The game was tied 1-1 up until the 89^th minute of play, when Ferris State was awarded a penalty kick that they scored on to take a 2-1 lead. The Panthers tried to get the game-tying score over the next minute of play, but couldn't get a proper offensive attack going in such a short time frame. The Panthers lost to Ferris State 2-1 in both meetings with the Bulldogs this season. Davenport played extremely aggressive and well in the game, the penalty kick awarded late was unfortunate.
 
THE BASICS
Final Score: Davenport-1 | Ferris State-2
Location: Big Rapids, Mich.
Records: Davenport 6-9 (4-5) | Ferris State 14-2-2 (6-1-2)
 
SHOTS PER HALF (Shots on goal)
First Half: DU-4 | FSU-9
Second Half: DU-9 | FSU-11
Total: DU-13 (8) | FSU-20 (11)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The game was very physical throughout, with Davenport being the initial aggressors for the most part. The Panthers played with a fire throughout the entire match that was entertaining to watch and matched up against a very good Ferris State team. The initial goal of the game was scored by Bri Rogers of Ferris State. The Panthers were whistled for a generic foul, but it was inside the box and the Bulldogs earned a penalty kick. Rogers shot the penalty kick into the right side of the net to give Ferris State a one-goal lead. Davenport got fresh legs in throughout the first half and broke through the Ferris State defense during the 42^nd minute. Alayna Hilgendorf got the ball about 30 yards out and with a defender in front of her made a move to the left and fired a left footed shot into the left corner of the net to tie the game 1-1. The game remained tied 1-1 heading into the second half.
 
The Panthers amped up their intensity in the second half looking for that go ahead goal. Davenport was given two yellow cards in the half, one to Madeleine Zayan and Alex Prout. Both teams were firing shots in the second half, with a total of 20 taken. After an ejection of a fan by the sideline ref, the intensity of the game was at an all time high. The Bulldogs were awarded a golden opportunity as the Panthers got whistled for another foul in the box, giving Ferris State a penalty kick with only 1:54 remaining in regulation. Rogers took the penalty kick for Ferris State and slotted it into the left side of the net for the go ahead goal.
 
Even the Bulldogs were awarded three points and the win, Davenport played Ferris State throughout the entire match. The Panthers now sit in sixth place in the GLIAC and officially have clinched a spot in the conference tournament. Davenport has a probability of facing Ferris State or Grand Valley State in the opening round of the GLIAC Tournament.
 
UP NEXT
Davenport has one more regular season game remaining. The Panthers will travel to Allendale next Friday to play Grand Valley State, who recently clinched the regular season GLIAC Championship for their 14^th straight season.
 
Story by: Devin Steiner
 
Picture credit: Tyler Triemstra