Souders & Cirigliano combine for 7 goals
by Jamie Harris
The Berkeley Springs Lady Indians soccer team put together a week of passion, grit and goals as they rolled to a pair of commanding wins sandwiched around a hard-fought rivalry battle.
Tuesday, September 9– Morgan Field Magic
The home crowd at Morgan Field erupted Tuesday night as the Lady Indians unleashed an offensive storm, shutting out the visiting Frankfort Falcons 8-0.
Sophomore Reese Souders lit it up with a hat trick, putting her mark on the game in electrifying fashion. Adding to the scoring frenzy were Abigail Close, Albani Cirigliano, Circe Powell, Taylor Andrews and freshman Avery Dhayer, who celebrated her first-ever high school goal with teammates rushing to congratulate her.
The Lady Indians peppered Frankfort’s net with relentless shots, tallying 28 in total. Defensively, keeper Willow Rhoten was a brick wall, turning away six Falcon chances to secure the clean sheet.
Thursday, September 11–Rivalry Showdown at Keyser
Two nights later, the Lady Indians traveled into enemy territory for one of their most intense rivalries against the Keyser Golden Tornado. The atmosphere was charged, and the match delivered all the physicality expected.
An early own goal gave Keyser the lead, but Berkeley Springs clawed back with a strike from Abigail Close, assisted by Circe Powell, sending the match into halftime tied 1-1. The Lady Indians battled with heart, but a late Keyser goal sealed the 2-1 defeat despite a jaw-dropping performance by Rhoten, who racked up 20 saves in the net.
“Going into one of the Lady Indians’s most intense rivalries, we knew we would have a fast-paced and physical match,” said Coach Havermale. “Our girls showed intensity, fight and determination, we just came up short this time.”
Saturday, September 13 — Road Warriors at Philip Barbour
Bouncing back in style, the Lady Indians made the long road trip to Barbour County and overwhelmed the Philip Barbour Colts 6-1.
Albani Cirigliano was unstoppable, exploding for four goals, while Powell and Close each added one to cap off the blowout.
The Colts managed only one goal credited as an own goal, but otherwise were stymied by another sensational defensive effort.
Rhoten made 20 saves and even denied a penalty kick, while Avi Ambrose stepped in with a clutch save of her own to back up her keeper.
“Our communication and passing were some of the best we’ve seen this season,” Coach Havermale said. “This was a complete team performance.”
With the strong week, Berkeley Springs improves to 5-2 on the season.
Next up, the Lady Indians return to Morgan Field on Thursday, September 18, where they’ll host the Petersburg Vikings in a doubleheader. The Lady Indians kick off at 5 p.m., followed by the Indians at 7 p.m.
