Lions Collar Cats

The Lions celebrate after a goal

Natalie Richardson maintains possession

Claudia Louzao reading the attack

Painter notches hat trick in conference opener

Photos by Tara Hefferan

The Newaygo Lions traveled to Lakeview for their first conference match of the season.  Under snow and rain, the Lions dominated play, outscoring Lakeview 5-1.  The Lions used quick passing combinations to maintain possession of the ball and stay in the offensive zone for most of the game. 

Grace Painter had a hat trick, with three goals and added a pair of assists while    Jaxi Long tallied a goal and 3 assists. Laura Haavisto also found the back of the net for the Lions and Connelly Hefferan-Nordlund dished a pair of assists.

Aby Lauryssens pressures the attack

Coach Painter: "In many ways last night's game was very similar to our Shelby game!  Our girls controlled much of the possession throughout the game while Lakeview did a good job covering up shooting lanes and clogging up the box.  Our midfielders and back line were crucial to our success as we worked the ball backwards to spread the field and change the point of attack.  The work on the field from Lynnea Briones and Sofia Briggs won't show up in any stat line, but their efforts last night directly led to the successful outcome of the game.  We also tried a couple girls in new positions last night and I was proud of how willing they were to step out of their comfort zone!"

​Newaygo (3-1,1-0) is back in action Wednesday as they return to their home field for the first time in 3 weeks and welcome in the Coyotes of Reed City (3-1,1-1) for a 4:30pm match.

Lynnea Briones maneuvers past the defense

Jaxi Long moves past the defense

The players thanking the Lion faithful after the win