The spring sports season at Pella Christian kicked-off with late game dramatics Tuesday night, as the Eagles girls soccer team prevailed over Ottumwa for a 2-1 overtime victory.

The Eagles, who are now 6-0 against the Bulldogs since 2017, found themselves trailing at halftime after Ottumwa found the back of the net in the 19th minute. Out of the break, Pella Christian took advantage of a foul by an Ottumwa defender on Lexie Terpstra just outside the penalty box. Taking the free kick, Esther Ford laced in an unassisted goal in the 11th minute of second half to tie the game at 1-1. The score remained knotted until the buzzer sounded on regulation, sending the season opener into overtime.

After winning the coin toss and choosing the wind at their backs, the Eagles capitalized on the benefits of the playing conditions. In the sixth minute of the extra period, Ford found an attacking Annika Van Dyke at the top of the penalty box and the senior found the side of the net for the first golden goal of her high school career. Pella Christian outshot Ottumwa 12-9 on the night, recorded eight shots on goal to the Bulldogs four, and dominated in corner kicks 7-1.

The Eagles open the season with a 1-0 record, and will look to make it a 2-0 start to the spring on Thursday when they travel to Albia for a 5:30 pm match.