The Hope College women's soccer team reached a team milestone while kicking its way back to a fourth Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament final.
The Flying Dutch won their 300th match all-time as they beat Kalamazoo 2-0 in Thursday's semifinal at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.
Hope (16-2-3 overall) advanced to play at top-seeded Calvin (17-2-2) on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. for the league's automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Tournament.
"It's what we wanted to do. It was our goal all along," Hope coach Leigh Sears said. "We have played Calvin to two scoreless overtimes. Someone is going to win the game. One day of rest. We've got to be ready."
The Flying Dutch reached their fifth MIAA Tournament championship game all-time thanks to goals from senior Sarah Fazio of Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian HS) and sophomore Erin Brophy of West Lafayette, Indiana (West Lafayette HS).
Fazio netted her fourth goal of the season 18 minutes, 2 seconds into the match against Kalamazoo (9-9-2). Freshman Eliza Beird of Holland, Michigan (Black River HS) recorded the assist.
Hope struck again 13:52 into the second half on Brophy's fifth goal of the season. SophomoreAllie Wittenbach of Ada, Michigan (Forest Hills Central HS) had the assist.
Hope outshot Kalamazoo by a 22-9 margin, including a 13-5 edge in shots on goal.
Sophomore goalie Mary Clare Theis of East Lansing, Michigan (Haslett HS) recorded her 13thshutout. She moved within two of Holly Nestle's school record.
