OVID-ELSIE — The Marauder girls varsity soccer team continued to lead the Mid-Michigan Activities Conference (MMAC) — in undefeated fashion — after a 8-0 blanking of Ottisville-Lakeville.
O-E got the scoring going in the first half on goals from Kiah Longoriah (assisted by Kalista Bancroft); Hailee Campbell (assisted by Emma Del Bosque) and Hadley Bukantis (assisted by Kalista Bancroft).
Then, Craig Thelen’s Marauders poured in on in the second half, with scores from Del Bosque (assisted by Caitlyn Walter); Longoriah (assisted by Caitlyn Walter); Emma Del Bosque (assisted by Walter); Campbell assisted by Bancroft; and Longoriah (assisted by Del Bosque).
Netminder Ava Bates came up with 2 saves on 2 shots.
“We definitely came out of the gates slow, but as disappointed as I was with our lackluster start, I couldn’t be more impressed with how we came out in the second half,” said coach Thelen, whose team unloaded 21 shots on net. “Kiah Longoriah led the second half charge with her energy and willingness to get back on defense, while still netting a hat trick. The stat book won’t show her with an assist, but she had several wonderful hockey assists (2nd assist) tonight that set up goals. Emma Del Bosque, up from her normal defensive position had a great night with two goals and two assists. Finally, two of our most willing passers, Kalista Bancroft and Caitlyn Walter, each tallied hat tricks in the assist column tonight. I really appreciate it when teammates are willing to make that extra pass to set up their teammates.”
Ovid-Elsie soccer program honors seniors, then shuts out Byron 7-0
OVID-ELSIE — The Marauder soccer program honored its 2021-22 seniors during a
MMAC home date opposite Byron.
“I want to give a special thanks to our seniors and their parents,” said coach Craig Thelen. “Congratulations on a wonderful career and a spectacular season thus far. I hope and expect to see the wins and laughs continue.” Seniors graduating after this season are Aubrey Arnett (center defense), Kalista Bancroft (forward), Audrey Bates (midfield), Emma Del Bosque (defense/wing), Kendahl Smeltzer (center defense) and Caitlyn Walter (midfield).
The Marauders then dispensed of the Eagles, 7-0, getting four goals from Evelyn Cole and one each from Kalista Bancroft, Caitlyn Walter and Hadley Bukantis. Hailee Campbell (2) , Bukantis, Cole and Audrey Bates all racked up assists for O-E.
In goal, Ava Bates came up with 1 save on 1 shot, while the Marauder offense blasted away 22 shots on the Byron net.
“I was very happy with how well we possessed the ball. We still have a bit of an issue with always wanting to go forward, but I am highly encouraged with our passing. It gives me great joy to see players spreading the ball around and showing trust in their teammates. Our midfield did a great job of getting back to support our defense tonight. The team did well tonight in the second half working through a few tweaks in the formation,” said coach Thelen.
