Ladyjacks fall to Brushton-Moira Panthers
By Rich Rosentreter
The Tupper Lake Ladyjacks varsity soccer team played another hard-fought game at home on September 14 against the Brushton-Moira Panther but still fell by a 4-1 score.
The Ladyjacks got off to a little bit of a slow start and Brushton quickly took control of the game and was able to capitalize with some beautiful shots on goal, according to Head Coach Brittney Willett.
The ‘Jacks managed to score a goal towards the end of the first half after the Panthers goalie came out past the 18-yard marker and picked up the ball – the miscue led to Tupper Lake being awarded a direct kick.
Senior Izabella Stalhammar hit the back of the net when she nailed a high ball over the goalie's finger tips.
“Towards the end of the first half and definitely in the second half, the girls picked up their momentum and began to take control of the game,” Coach Willett said. “The girls were going to the ball and pushing the ball up the field for more offensive opportunities to arise. Izabella, Leah, Lauren, Livia and Taylor all had beautiful shots on goal, but we were unable to capitalize on them. The Ladyjacks fought to the end of the game, but unfortunately didn't end up netting any more goals.”
On Saturday, September 11, the Ladyjacks had their first home match against the Chateaugay Bulldogs, and despite the 5-0 loss, Coach Willett said she was impressed by her team’s fight as they kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard in the second half.
“Chateaugay is always a tough opponent. We had a hard time finding their momentum and groove in the first half of the game. Chateaugay was out-hustling the girls, and were able to capitalize on multiple opportunities,” Coach Willett said, adding that although going into half time, ‘Jacks were down 5-0, after halftime, the local girls came out ready to play. “They were hustling and beating Chateaugay athletes to the ball, passing with a purpose up the field, and attacking in the offensive zone. Offensively and defensively, we looked a lot better in the second half. The girls were able to see and feel better about the game, and they quickly realized they could compete with Chateaugay.”
“Taylor, Izabella, and Livia each had a few offensive opportunities. Defensively, Ashleigh, Emma, Hailey and Olivia worked very well together and were able to pull Chateaugay offsides over six times in the second half,” she added. “Libby Gillis had quite a few beautiful saves in the second half.”
“Although the first half didn't go our way, I was very pleased as to how the girls went about the second half. We spoke about how it was a clean slate, and a good time to just start fresh,” Coach Willett said. “Of course, the score was still in the back of their minds, but moving forward, it was a team effort and they all played their position well during that second half.”
The ‘Jacks played a home match on Monday against the St. Lawrence Larries. Next on the schedule, Tupper Lake will play a home match at 10 a.m. Saturday against Madrid-Waddington.