Photos and Story by Tara Hefferan Newaygo Lions Girls Soccer traveled to Clare on Tuesday to take on the Elk Rapids Elks in the Division 3 Regional Semifinals. Newaygo was handed its first loss of the season, falling 5-0 to a skilled Elk Rapids team. Newaygo Girls Soccer has had a storied 2023 season, winning both the regular CSAA Conference and CSAA Tournament titles, as well as the District 47 Championship. Going into Tuesday’s match against Elk Rapids, however, the Lions knew they would be challenged. Elk Rapids won the regional title last year, eliminating Newaygo in the semifinals, and this year has sat near the top the Division 3 state rankings all season. That said, the Lions also had some hope, as they and Elk Rapids were the only remaining undefeated teams in Division 3. Newaygo’s overall record was 18-0-1, while Elk Rapids was 19-0-1. Each team scored more than 90 goals this season, while each conceded fewer than 10. As senior captain Sofia Briggs said, “Elk Rapids is very skilled team throughout. We all knew it was going to be a good game based on our stats and theirs.” Anticipating the speed and technical abilities of the Elks, the Lions shifted their normal formation into a more defensive shape. The starting line-up had McCaiden Rienstra up top, as the lone striker. Connelly Hefferan Nordlund and Grace Painter were center midfielders, with Aby Lauryssens and Belen Torres on the wings. Lynnea Briones played as a defensive midfielder. Sofia Briggs and Maddie Couch worked as center backs, while Natalie Richardson and Landry Hefferan Nordlund played outside backs. The Lions took the kick-off, and early on had some opportunities to advance toward the Elks’ territory. The Elks defense was formidable, however, and connected well with the midfield and frontline to dominate possession. The Lions quickly found themselves playing a purely defensive game. Lion Keeper Barbara Toth stopped shot after shot, but the Elks were able to get on the board with 24:02 minutes left in the first half. The goal came from a counter-attack, with the ball finding its way to Elk Lauren Bingham. Bingham used her speed to break through the Lions defense, putting herself in a 1 vs 1 against Lion Keeper Toth. Bingham found the gap on the right edge of the net, out of Toth’s reach. The Elks were ahead 1-0. The Elks’ next two goals came at 19:33 and 18:27, and both were off deflections from Lions defenders. In the first, a cross into the box from Sofie Bellner bounced off the defender at the near post, sliding into the net. The second came after a throw-in, as Bellner hurled a low-driven ball across the back line, deflecting off the defense on the far side. These back-to-back goals put Elk Rapids ahead of the Lions 3-0. The Elks would score one more time before the half. With 6:41 on the clock, Sierra Boilore sped through the defensive line, firing a shot into the back of the net. In the first half, the Elks had 17 shots total, with 6 on goal and 4 goals. Lion Keeper Toth made several impressive stops in goal, while Briggs had a noteworthy slide tackle just in front of net. As a whole, the Lions defense and midfield worked together tirelessly to contain the Elks’ impressive attack. Returning from half, the Lions generated more offensive pressure than they had in the first half. A few runs into Elk territory created some chances for the Lions, but they were unable to find the back of the net. The Elks, by contrast, found another goal, with 29:42 left in the second half. Boilore sent a rocket from the penalty line, slotting it into the right corner. As the second half came to a close, the Lions had taken 4 shots, with 3 on goal. The Elks put out 12 shots, with 5 on goal and 1 in goal. The final score was Elk Rapids 5 vs. Newaygo 0. As senior captain Grace Painter said, “I was really proud of our team’s hustle and effort last night. We left everything out on the field and played until the final whistle.” The Lions 2023 soccer season has come to an end with the semifinal loss. This is especially bittersweet for the six starting seniors, who in their time with the team have helped to transform Newaygo Girls Soccer from a losing program into a history-making championship team. Sofia Briggs, Lynnea Briones, Connelly Hefferan Nordlund, Grace Painter, McCaiden Rienstra, and Barbara Toth will leave behind a legacy of leadership and teamwork. Commenting on what the team has meant to her, Lynnea Briones said, “This team has definitely meant the world to me. I feel good knowing that we worked our butts off for the legacy we are leaving behind and all the history we have made.” Said Grace Painter, “What a way to end a high school career! We came together as a team, and it resulted in three trophies and an undefeated season during the regular season. I couldn’t ask for much more!” Barbara Toth said, “We had an amazing run, it’s sad to see it come to an end, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.” Connelly Hefferan Nordlund said, “Playing with some of these girls my entire life has been a blessing, and I’m very grateful for it. I think part of our success this season has been because of the friendship that we have with one another.” Sofia Briggs continued, “This team has been everything throughout the past years. We’ve achieved a lot together. From our first district win to our first conference title together, we’ve grown substantially as a team. I’ve had an amazing time with these people. I will never forget this team.”
With Lion pride, the fans and community will never forget this team either. 2023 Newaygo Girls Soccer is sure to serve as a model and inspiration for others going forward.
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