Bailey sparks Dutch to women’s soccer comeback victory
Central College
GRINNELL—Central College sophomore Alayna Bailey (forward, Des Moines, Hoover HS) notched a pair of goals for the second time in two days as the women’s soccer squad rallied to a 2-1 victory over Grinnell College Sunday.
The Pioneers got off to a fast start, scoring just two minutes in. But Bailey responded with an unassisted goal in the 19th minute and posted the game-winner in the 54th minute off an assist from midfielder Hannah Davy (sophomore, Cottage Grove, Minn., Park HS).
“Alayna got in behind on the left side for both goals,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “The first goal she passed into the back of the net and the second goal she shot into the right corner. The keeper had a hand on it but it still went in.”
It’s the third time this season Bailey has scored two goals in a game. She also scored two goals in Saturday’s win over Saint Mary (Neb.) and leads the Dutch with nine goals, including five game-winners.
“Teams will start zoning in on her but she’ll still get a few chances each half and will still be very dangerous,” Kobylinski said. “The good news is we’ve had 10 other players that have scored goals this season. It’s not a one-man show.”
Grinnell outshot Central 13-6 and also held a 7-1 corner-kick advantage.
“Credit to Grinnell (2-3-1) for playing tough,” Kobylinski said. “They’re well-coached and caused us a lot of problems. They play more of an attack style and we had to adjust.”
Goalkeeper Steph Hasken (junior, Davenport, West HS) made five saves.
“Stephanie was very active off the line and her distribution off both her hands and feet was much better in the second half, which gives us a chance for a counter attack,” Kobylinski said. “She’s also very vocal and that’s always a plus.”
Kobylinski was encouraged to see the squad score in the first half. Central has posted a mere five goals in the opening period this season, compared to 18 in the second.
“Scoring in the first half was one of our objectives, so it’s good to accomplish that goal,” Kobylinski said. “But we’ll go back to the drawing board and continue to work on some new ways to get amped up and come out ready to go for the first half.”
Central (6-2) begins a three-game homestand Tuesday at 4 p.m. against Northwestern College at the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex field. The Red Raiders are 2-2-2 overall.
“Northwestern is another tough NAIA school,” Kobylinski said. “It’ll be good preparation for Iowa Conference play. But I’m more excited about our win today. It’s our first win against Grinnell in program history. We’re doing a lot of first-time things this season and if we can keep the momentum going forward into conference we’ll be a tough team to stop.”
