SHS Women’s Soccer make a season sweep with a 1-0 win over Stockwell Academy Sentinels

By SCN volunteer staff

The Stockbridge Woman’s Soccer Team traveled to Cleary University Field in Howell on May 11 to take on the Stockwell Academy Sentinels. Having earned a 6-1 win a month earlier in their first Stockwell match, the Panthers looked poised. The Sentinels, however, were determined for a home field upset. As the first half unfolded Stockbridge backed up the Sentinel defense with shots by Brianna Hill, Brittany Freiermuth, Paige Brown, and Rachel Frazzini. But their shots were disrupted by a fast Sentinel defense and rebuffed by a goal keeper who was lightning quick and unyielding. The Sentinels showed team work by attacking the Panther goal with several strong runs, surprising the Panthers. A turn by Sylvia Whitt and a steal by Payton Killinger deflected the attacks. Strong defensive work by Haylie Howard and spirited play by keeper, Bethany Plennert, allowed Stockbridge to regroup before second half with the scoreboard showing 0-0.

Panther resolve doubled as the second half began. Strong defensive play kept the ball more in the Sentinels territory and shots by Savannah Porter, Oriana Hackworth, Kaitlin Miller, and Payton Killinger kept the pressure on. Strong shots on goal by Faith Whitt and Sylvia Whitt ricocheted off the Sentinel keeper and goal posts, but the match continued scoreless. Near the midway point of the second half a well-played pass by Paige Brown turned into an assist as Faith Whitt lofted a high arching shot over the Sentinel keeper to put the Panthers ahead.

Continued offensive effort to add an insurance goal was answered by the fast Sentinel defense and their capable keeper. As the clock wound down Stockwell redoubled their efforts to score. Strong defensive play led by Baylee Heidrich, Anna Schlaff, and Evelyn Ortiz-Martinez proved effective. With just over a minute remaining in the match a Sentinel possession and shot seemed certain to tie the score. Spectators gasped, but Panther defensive touches were enough that the last-ditch shot was kicked just wide of the net. Keeper, Bethany Plennert logged 3 saves as the Panthers made it a season sweep of the Sentinels with a 1-0 win.