Lions Roar In Tourney Opener

Aby Lauryssens makes a move to bypass the defender

Lynnea Briones connects the Lions backline to the attack

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Story and photos by Tara Hefferan

The Newaygo Lions are off to a strong start in the CSAA conference tournament, with an 8-0 mercy win over the Lakeview Wildcats.      
 
Just ten minutes into the match, Grace Painter netted a low corner goal after chain passing from Connelly Hefferan Nordlund and Belen Torres.  Shortly thereafter Jaxi Long scored, followed again by Painter.  Laura Haavisto assisted both goals, as well as the next, which was a Lakeview own goal after a Wildcat defender tried to clear the ball but put it into the net instead.  Painter scored an additional goal off an assist from Long, and Hefferan Nordlund also put a point on the scoreboard.  The Lions were ahead by six goals just 30 minutes into the match.   

Aaliyah Hernandez dribbles the ball toward goal

Sofia Briggs executes a pull-back move to outwit the attacker

With the lead secure, the Lions had every player getting quality minutes against the Wildcats.  The match ended toward the end of the second half, after two additional goals by Painter.  The first came from a rebound, after Long fired a stinger that bounced off the post back to Painter, who slotted it in.  The second came from an indirect kick, which also rebounded back for a Painter finish. 

Madi Couch uses agility to steer the ball away from the Lions goal

While the Lions dominated possession, Lakeview was able to get off a few quality shots against Lion Keeper Barbara Toth.  Toth was fearless, using the full 18-yard box to stop oncoming attacks from advancing to goal.  Center back Sofia Briggs with outside backs Bella Welch and Madi Couch once again effectively used speed and agility to outmaneuver the Wildcats, working with defensive midfielder Lynnea Briones to build the attack from the back.  In the end, the Lions prevailed in an 8-0 win over the Cats. 
 Coach Painter: “Our girls came out strong and aggressive today. They maintained possession and worked the ball around to find good opportunities to score. We are looking forward to our next match up on Wednesday!”  
 The Lions will play at home in the CSAA semi-final match against Tri County Wednesday at 4:30.

With Lion Pride, the team cheers its accomplishments

Celebrating seniors! Six exchange students (left to right: Laura Haavisto, Levinia Marquardt, Viktoria Ringh, Johanna Bartsch, Filippa Hollmark, and Claudia Luozao) with hometown Lion Jaxi Long.