Zeeland, Mich - #3 Zeeland faced off against #6 West Ottawa on Thursday night and defeated the Panthers 14-8.  Zeeland never trailed against West Ottawa.  However, in the first quarter, West Ottawa answered every goal that Zeeland scored with one of their own.  Rylee Leestma started the scoring for Zee followed by Sarah Houtman and Jenna Schrotenboer with 2 to finish out the first tied 4-4.

Peyton Elenbaas put Zeeland ahead for good at 5-4 with a goal 2:00 into the 2nd.  Schrotenboer added her 3rd followed by a goal from Katie Agar to end the second with Zeeland leading 7-4.  Zeeland's defense helped to lead the way in the 2nd by not allowing a shot on goal to help Morgan Beers in goal.

The Third Quarter saw the Panthers start out hot with 2 quick goals in the 1:15 before Ashley Ketchum scored her first of the game to extend the lead back to 2.  West Ottawa scored again to bring it within 1 until goals by Madi Duquette and Jenna Schrotenboer pushed the lead back to 3 to end the quarter with a 10-7 advantage.

Madi Duquette and Schrotenboer pushed the lead to five to begin the 4th quarter before Zeeland allowed another goal.  Ketchum followed with her second of the game followed by Schrotenboer's 6th to round out the scoring.

Morgan Beers made 11 saves in goal and added a steal.  Katie Agar and Sarah Houtman also had solid defensive games by matching up with one of the best offensive players in the State and holding her to 1 goal.

"We tried to open the game with a new defense that failed miserably.  I take the full blame for that.  The girls rebounded very well and as a coaching staff, we kept changing up things until we found our groove.  I am very pleased with how this team is reacting and playing together.  We are hitting our stride at the right time in the season."  -Coach Dave Vruggink

These 2 teams match up again tomorrow to open the Hudsonville/Zeeland Tournament.  Zeeland also play Fenwick (IL), Stevenson (IL) and Grand Haven.