Lady tigers started off applying offensive pressure making a couple of runs into Spartan territory and catching Sparta off-guard. Unfortunately, the runs were futile as we were unable to place the ball in the net. Quickly, Sparta had a breakaway which caught our defense standing leaving a clean run for Sparta down the middle. Sparta player pushing the ball further in front of her as our center back, Gracie Bearup, was trying to press from behind. Our keeper, Lilian Scott, remained in goal and the angle Sparta player had was a difficult one for any goalkeeper; the shot was taken and Sparta was on the board 1-0. Ball was set in motion once again, but our Lady Tigers struggled to gain control in the middle which allowed Sparta to keep the game in our area sending air balls that went over our defensive line. Our opponents speed was becoming clear as Sparta managed to score two more goals, but for each breakaway in the middle Gracie Bearup and Kim Settlemyre worked hard to rush them. The opponent’s runs on the sides were slowed down by our fullbacks Sydney Higgins and Avery Geisen. Emme Losee made multiple attempts in using right lateral mid, Delaney Cronk, which were unsuccessful because Sparta had anywhere from 3 to 4 defenders on Delaney as soon as she received the ball. That did not stop Delaney from having a couple of good runs into Spartan area where she attempted to cross the ball or take a shot herself. Teslynn Ausema, left lateral mid, also had a couple of runs playing give and goes with both Nikki Tellkamp(forward) , and Emme Losee (center mid). The half ended and it was visibly clear our Lady Tigers slightly fatigued.

Refreshed for the second half, our Tigers started to press more which slowed Sparta down a bit. Suddenly, a ball was sent over Sparta’s defensive line and Nikki, with her great speed, was ready to outrun them. In a desperate attempt to stop Nikki, Sparta defender committed a foul which favored our ladies. A composed Delaney Cronk took the penalty and gracefully landed the ball in Sparta’s net. Tigers were on the board. Soon after, our defensive line committed a similar foul which allowed Sparta a penalty kick which bounced off the bar and our keeper, Lilian, with agility went after the rebound. Sam Fryling/Carli Fryling/Morgann Ausema/Makayla Cronk, Emme Losee, Teslynn Ausema, and Delaney Cronk all playing at midfield continued their attempts at winning control, but the game went on and we struggled to gain possession. Sparta continued to pressure and managed to have  two more breakaways that led to goals. Not every Spartan run led to a goal as our keeper, Lily, had several saves; one in particular she flew through the air to the right to perfectly catch the ball and deny them the goal, it was beautiful. Time ran out and we lost our last game of the regular season. 

Although defeated, we cheered in honor of our seniors Kim Settlemyre, Nikki Tellkamp, and Lia Rocha as this was their last regular season game in their high school career.

The season may be over but Districts are up next. Our girls know that we either win or we learn and today, although a hard loss, was a lesson we must learn from. Heads up ladies….DISTRICTS HERE WE COME!