Last Tuesday evening’s doubleheader between Solon and Center Point-Urbana (CPU) wasn’t just a test of skill; it was a test of grit and willingness to embrace the elements for both the girls’ and boys’ team. With rain falling steadily over Spartan Stadium all evening, players slipped and slid their way through a night that ended in a 1-0 win for the girls and a 0-0 draw for the boys.
The girls set the tone early. From the opening whistle, Solon controlled possessions and set the pace. They kept the ball steady in their attacking half for the majority of the game. Junior’s Jillian Janssen and Sophia Link created multiple early chances, while Lily Miller generated the few offensive pushes for the Stormin’ Pointers.
Solon’s persistence in the first half paid off midway through the second half when Laeni Hinkle broke through for the game’s only goal. She finished a sequence that was set by the Lady Spartans all night: patience and possession.
“We preach possession,” head coach Amanda Paulson said. “Taking care of the ball and building on that momentum is huge for us.”
The Lady Spartans’ defensive unit backed up Paulson’s philosophy, rarely allowing CPU threatening opportunities near the goal. Even as the rain intensified late in the match, and after Miller exited with an apparent lower-leg injury, Solon maintained control to secure the victory.
Stats
Goals – Laeni Hinkle 1
Shots – Sophia Link 8, Jillian Janssen 2, Sofia Ortega 2, Laney Johnson 1, Kinley Mai 1, Hinkle 1, Katherine Rolwes 1
Shots on Goal – Link 4, Ortega 2, Hinkle 1, Rolwes 1
Saves – Audrey Heineman 5
Solon 8 Williamsburg 1
The Lady Spartans opened the season with an 8-1 shelling of WaMaC West foe Williamsburg Monday, April 6, on the Raiders’ turf.
Sophia Link and Sofia Ortega scored two goals with one apiece by Kalynn Timmons, Jillian Janssen, Laeni Hinkle, and Katherine Rolwes. Gable Knight made five saves with one by Audrey Heineman.
Stats
Goals – Sophia Link 2, Sofia Ortega 2, Kalynn Timmons 1, Jillian Janssen 1, Laeni Hinkle 1, Katherine Rolwes 1
Shots – Link 9, Ortega 7, Janssen 3, Timmons 1, Laney Johnson 1, Hinkle 1, Rolwes 1
Shots on Goal – Link 6, Ortega 3, Janssen 2, Timmons 1, Hinkle 1, Rolwes 1
Saves – Gable Knight 5, Audrey Heineman 1