GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Canses Gibson scored in the 16th minute, and Madonna's goalkeepers combined for eight saves as the Crusaders defeated Cornerstone 1-0 in their Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference opener Sept. 18 at CU Soccer Stadium.
Gibson broke the scoreless tie at 15:11, finishing a pass from Chelsey Chambless for the match's only goal. It was Gibson's third goal of the season and first game-winner. The strike came after Cornerstone applied early pressure, including an attempt by Gracie Gortmaker that Grace McCormick stopped at 11:25 for an early save.
McCormick made six saves during a scoreless first half for Cornerstone, preserving the lead through halftime. McCormick denied Ally Merrihew's header at 33:31, while Madonna continued to create chances at the other end. Avery Topinka put an attempt on target at 41:08, forcing a save from Cornerstone goalkeeper Corinne McGlassion. Alessia Di Nino, Marlena Ballnik and Topinka each finished with two shots on goal for the Crusaders.
Addison Beil took over in goal for the second half and completed the shared shutout with two saves. Beil stopped Brooke Harmsen at 72:45, then turned away Gortmaker at 81:55 on Cornerstone's final shot on goal. Madonna also pressed for an insurance goal, with Ballnik forcing another McGlassion save at 58:07 and Nadine Jawad placing a late attempt on target at 87:35.
Cornerstone finished with a 17-13 advantage in total shots and an 11-1 edge in corner kicks, but Madonna matched the Golden Eagles with eight shots on goal and stopped every attempt on target. McGlassion made seven saves for Cornerstone. The victory improved the Crusaders to 4-5-0 overall and 1-0-0 in conference play, while Cornerstone fell to 3-3-1 and 0-1-0.
Madonna Women's Soccer will be back in action when they host the Warriors of Rochester Christian on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM on the MU Soccer and Lacrosse Field.
Â
