GROVE CITY — Sam Weber’s back was to the goal when she received the crossing pass from Molly Weitzel.

The only way Weber was going to be able to get a foot on the ball and direct it toward the net was to do something she had never been able to pull off in a soccer match before.

A bicycle kick.

The junior forward on the Grove City College women’s soccer team flung her right foot into the air and redirected a perfect shot into the net as she tumbled to the field on her back.

It was a perfect shot that tied the game against No. 12 ranked Ohio Northern in the second half as the Wolverines earned a 1-1 tie.

But it was a victory for Weber. It was her first goal of three in the first two games this season and it was a statement that Grove City is ready to compete with the best of the best in Division III.

“That was by far the best goal I have ever scored in my life,” said Weber, her smile as bright as the early September sun. “It was a great goal, but honestly, I couldn’t have scored any of the goals I scored this weekend without my teammates.”

Or without her health.

Weber has been haunted by injuries dating back to her days at Freeport High.

Weber missed parts of her final three seasons with the Yellowjackets with severe knee and ankle injuries that both required surgery.

As a freshman at Grove City College, she played the entire season with a torn labrum and a broken bone in her hip and last year, she had a back injury that slowed her down until late in the season.

Weber, though, was healthy in the final nine games in 2011 and scored six of her team-leading seven goals during that span.

Still healthy, save for a bruised big toe, Weber is off to a marvelous start this season.

“It feels so good to come into a season without an injury nagging you,” Weber said. “I’m so excited to come back every season. It just gets better and better, and I get closer and closer with the girls on the team. I really want to win a conference championship.”

This may be the team to do it.

Grove City College women’s soccer coach Melissa Lamie lauded the freshmen class that included Weber two years ago, and now she is seeing the group reach their potential — Weber in particular.

“She kind of picked up where she left off last year,” Lamie said. “I didn’t really expect her to start off thatfast, but I’m glad that she has.

“After three goals in two games against two quality teams, it kind of makes me think maybe we are going to get more scoring out of her than we expected.

“Not to put any pressure on you, Sam,” Lamie said, smiling at Weber. “But three goals in every two games would be fabulous.”

Weber would love to oblige.

She already has four goals and two assists in the first four games for the 3-0-1 Wolverines.

For the first time in her career, Weber is playing forward, not her usual position as a center-midfielder.

Weber already has taken seven shots on goal this season.

Weber is feeling the sense of urgency, too.

“Now that I’m a junior, you start seeing the years tick away,” Weber said. “It’s really hard to see classes come through the program and graduate. You know it’s going to be over soon. Hopefully, I can finish out the last two years healthy.”

Weber had planned on playing at the University of Pittsburgh before her high school injuries nixed that plan.

Weber, though, ended up at Grove City College and doesn’t regret that decision.

“I’m so glad I ended up here because playing here with this group of girls and with an excellent coach like Coach Lamie, it does more than just make you a good soccer player. It changes your life.”