On Saturday November 15th at 1:30 we kicked off against Gettysburg College. We started off slow and timid but as time went on the girls found their edge and began to play as a team. Despite Gettysburg's 6 shots on goal to our 1 in the first half , our defense held strong and stopped all of their attacks. In the second half we stepped up our offensive game and tallied up 5 shots on goal to the Gettysburg's 6. At the end of regular time the game was still scoreless and we went into overtime. Our team was patient and smart as we managed the game while trying to attack and create scoring opportunities. At the end of 2 overtimes neither team had scored so we moved to PKs.
Gettysburg's first shooter came up to the plate and made her shot. Our first shooter was Emily Krause who calmly shot to the left post and made it. Gettysburg's second shooter also made it. Our second shooter was Kaitlyn Semelsberger who also made her shot as did the Gettysburg's shooter. Our third shooter, Jackie Kelly, hit the ball nicely but the Gettysburg keeper got a hand on it and saved it. Gettysburg's shooter made it her shot, while Shelby Johnson followed up with a great hit that went in. Gettysburg's next shot was saved by Kim Leitch who made the game even. Monique Hanayik stepped up next and placed her ball nicely in the net. The next Gettysburg shooter hit her ball over the goal and then Maura Fortino stepped up to take her shot. She hit it perfectly in the side of the net winning the game 5-4! After a quick celebration we started to prepare for our next match against Messiah.
The girls were tired and sore from playing 110 minutes on Saturday but new they had to start preparing for Messiah on Sunday! Our game began at 5pm and immediately we realized how much of a battle this game would be. Messiah came out guns blazing and much more rested than our girls. Even though they had an advantage our team hung in there and gave Messiah a challenge. We took a little while to adjust to the speed of play and in the first half we gave up 2 goals. At half time however our girls rallied together and decided not to give up and to fight back. They wanted to leave their mark and prove that they deserved to be in this game.
When they stepped on the field it was a completely different team than the first half. They were organized, strong, and played quickly. Unfortunately we gave up an early goal on a goalkeeping error, but our team did not sit back. Only 2 minutes after Messiah's goal we were back in their half fighting for the ball and creating chances. Maura Fortino was scrapping in the box against a Messiah defender and miraculously got the ball to Mary Bushee who took a shot. It was deflected by a Messiah defender and rolled to the top of the box. Chloe Brown ran onto the ball, struck it one time and placed it far post!!
The game went on as we fought hard and kept attacking and creating chances. Even though our effort was there, we were unable to score again. The final score was 1-5 which does not accurately depict the game at all.
This team dug down deep and went out giving everything they had. They never sat back or admitted defeat and they played until the last seconds of the game. This season has been a great journey and has proven the character and heart of our players. They have done tremendous things as a team as well as individually and we cannot wait to continue to grow in the future.
Thank you to everyone who travelled, watched, and supported us on this incredible journey.
GO CRUSADERS
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