by Jamie Harris
The Berkeley Springs Lady Indians soccer team experienced a roller coaster week filled with victories, tough battles and learning experiences. The Lady Indians hosted the Petersburg Vikings at a rain-soaked Morgan Field on Wednesday, September 25, rolling to an 8-0 shutout victory.
Reese Souders led the offensive charge with two goals, both assisted by Abigail Close. Circe Powell made her return to the lineup with two goals of her own, including one assisted by Albani Cirigliano. Cirigliano also scored a goal off a corner kick from Georgia Powell. Both Georgia Powell and Lilli Stevens added to the scoreboard with goals, while Petersburg inadvertently contributed to the Lady Indians’ tally with a self-goal.
In goal, Kate Risinger and Willow Rhoten held strong, with Risinger making 3 saves and Rhoten adding 2 to preserve the shutout win.
The momentum from the home win carried the Lady Indians into their next match on Thursday, September 26, as they traveled to Southern Garrett High School to take on the Lady Rams. The contest was a defensive battle, ending in a hard-fought 0-0 tie after two overtime periods. Katie Risinger recorded 9 saves in 40 minutes of play, while Willow Rhoten made an impressive 14 saves over 60 minutes. Despite shots on goal from Albani Cirigliano (3), Tenacious Ray (2), Scotlyn Forney (1), Abigail Close (1) and Reese Souders (1), the Lady Indians were unable to break through Southern Garrett’s defense.
On Saturday, September 28, the Lady Indians made the long trip to Mannington, W.Va., for a match against the North Marion Lady Huskies. The young Berkeley Springs team struggled to find their footing and fell 4-0 to the home squad. Willow Rhoten was once again solid in net, recording 15 saves, but North Marion’ s attack proved too much for the Lady Indians.
The Lady Indians returned home to face Frankfort on Tuesday, October 1, followed by another road contest on Thursday, October 3, against Northern Garrett.
