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Curry scores twice, Calvin Christian wins fourth consecutive state title, 2-1 over Lansing Christian
East Lansing – Grandville Calvin Christian was seeking its fourth consecutive state title when it faced Lansing Christian on Saturday.
Hilary Curry scored twice to lead Calvin Christian (21-3) to a 2-1 victory over Lansing Christian in the Division 4 final at Michigan State University.
Curry gave Calvin Christian a 1-0 lead at the 6:35 mark when she scored on an assist from Natalie Honeycutt.
Kasey Jamieson had a great opportunity to tie the game for Lansing Christian 36 seconds after Curry’s goal but her shot hit off the right post.
Jamieson would have another great opportunity to tie the game but on this second attempt she hit the crossbar at the 13:15 mark in the first half.
Calvin Christian held onto its lead deep into the second half until Curry scored again at the 24:38 mark on a header from a free kick cross by Emily VanVliet.
“I always typically hit our crosses or long balls in and I typically look to get it towards the back post,” VanVliet said. “Because that’s where (Curry) typically sits, and I know that she will fight to get that ball and she was definitely a big factor and fought and got her head on that ball.”
Rebecca Hull cut Lansing Christian’s deficit to one on a penalty kick goal at the 35:50 mark, giving Lansing Christian (20-4) a chance to send the game to overtime.
“I think we just had to dig deep and just hold our ground and make sure to get the ball as high as possible to limit their chances of getting a second goal,” Curry said.
Calvin Christian coach Tim TerHaar was taken aback by yet another title for his squad.
“It’s something that’s hard to put into words,” he said. “You know when we were here in 2012 we were so thankful to make it to a title and then the passage of time is crazy, just four years later were back here with four straight state titles. It’s gone so quickly, and again it’s just a testament to our seniors I think for the good work that they’ve done and who they are.”
