Pelafas ties all-time record in soccer's 4-2 victory
Junior forward Lexi Pelafas hugs her teammate after scoring a goal on Sept. 16 at the Soccer Complex.
It was Senior Day for the Central Michigan soccer team, but junior forward Lexi Pelafas stole the show.
Pelafas scored three goals in CMU’s 4-2 victory over Mount St. Mary’s at the CMU Soccer Complex. With the win, the Chippewas improved to 5-2-1 on the season.
“We wanted to get the win for the seniors because this was their day,” Pelafas said. “We played for each other. If we just keep going out and giving our hearts and playing with character, we will go far.”
CMU head coach Peter McGahey said that it was not the prettiest performance, but in the end, he was pleased with the outcome.
“They played some really good soccer,” McGahey said. “With the emotions as high as today, sometimes the game isn’t going to be as pretty as you want. I was really proud of the team as they found a way.”
Just three minutes into the game, midfielder Savannah Beetcher crossed the ball towards the next. Instead of finding an opponent, the senior beat Charlotte Elrod and found the back of the net. Two minutes later, Pelafas scored her first goal of the evening on a penalty kick.
Jenna West, the leading scorer for the Mountaineers (3-6-0), scored the first goal at the CMU Soccer Complex this season. The junior midfielder beat goalkeeper Zoie Reed for her fifth goal the 2017 campaign. The only other goal scored by Mount St. Mary’s was a penalty kick goal by midfielder Jaylen Chandler with two minutes left in the contest.
Pelafas scored her second and third goals about eight minutes apart in the second half. The third goal for the junior was a slow rolling ball to complete the hat trick. Pelafas’ three-goal performance on Saturday gave her 26 career goals, which tied her with Stephanie Martin for the all-time goals scored record at CMU.
“I’m humbled by it,” Pelafas said. “It’s an honor. My teammates setting me up for it, I’m just finishing the goals. So, thanks to my teammates for giving me the great balls.”
The Chippewas will play at home on Friday, Sept. 22 for a battle against MAC division opponent Kent State.
“We are moving into our second season, which is the MAC regular season, with a good little bit of momentum and confidence,” McGahey said.
