Varsity girls soccer pulled out the win Tuesday against Harris County, 4-1. The win gives Starr’s Mill the top seed in the region.
Senior captain Olivia Shaw scored two goals in the first half. Freshman Ava Burnside and junior captain Kendra Ivaska each scored in the second half. Senior Emerson Bredahl had three saves to help seal the win.
“[My saves] definitely brought a lot of the energy back into the game,” senior Emerson Bredahl said. “It energizes the crowd. My saves are something that just brings a lot of the adrenaline back into the game and revitalizes us.”
Starr’s Mill had not played a full game in almost two weeks after having won their last three matches by mercy rule. Since they have not played a full game in two weeks, game fitness and mentality was definitely a struggle throughout the first half.
Harris County came off strong and controlled most of the first half. Once the Panthers settled, they dominated the second half and pulled out the win.
“It feels good to be back on track for one of our goals so far this season,” head coach John Bowen said. “We are excited about the opportunities it brings but realize there is still a lot more work to get done to make that happen.”
Ivaska’s goal in the second half extended her new school record. Last week, she broke the all-time record for most goals scored. Lauren Yoss, class of 2016, previously set the record at 75 goals.
“Going into the rest of our region games and the rest of the season, it’s really exciting to see how our team can succeed,” Ivaska said. “I’m really excited to keep playing with my teammates and just see what more I can do.”
Ivaska is a dual spring sport athlete playing varsity soccer and participating as part of the track and field team. Ivaska is part of the distance medley relay that broke the school record last weekend at the Roswell Relays.
The Lady Panthers are 6-4 overall and 4-0 in region play. They are the only undefeated team in Region 3-AAAA.
Both soccer teams travel to Pace Academy on March 21 for a pair of matches. The girls match begins at 6 p.m. and the boys match follows.