Both the Lady Bears and the Devils were riding 2 game win streaks so both teams were equally hungry to keep the streak alive. The Lady Bears were riddled with adversity this past week and they were hit again prior to last night’s game. The Bears were down quite a few players so they knew that everyone was going to have to step up in order to get a win over the OFA Devils. Many girls had to play some new positions but each girl just went where they were needed. Before the game, goalie Bree Rogers dislocated her finger but that didn’t stop her from playing and making two of her best saves thus far this season.
As the Bears were trying to adapt to playing on a turf field the game started off with Canton keeping the ball in the Devil’s end for the majority of the half. Through the 1st 40 minutes the Bears defense played flawlessly and goalie Bree Rogers never had to touch the ball. After losing full back Gab Shuckers about half way through the first half, outside halfbacks Ally Kiah and Bryce Butterfeild had to step up to fill the void. After the Bears lost their leading scorer Emily Estabrooks, forwards Anna Woodruff and Stella Shipmen were forced to play a more influential role. After a constant battle with the OFA defense, Senior Haley Stevenson chipped a ball over the defense creating an opportunity for Anna Woodruff to get a shot on net. The OFA goalie got her hand on the ball but Anna was determined and crashed the net scoring the first and only goal of the game putting the Bears up 1-0.
In the second half the Bears knew they were going to have to battle for another 40 minutes to secure the win. For most of the half it was back and forth and neither team was able to possess the ball. The OFA Blue Devils had several scoring opportunities but Bree Rogers was determined to keep the shutout streak alive, even if it meant making one handed saves. Although the Bears didn’t capitalize on their scoring opportunities they held their own to maintain the 1-0 lead over the Devils.
With hopes of regaining their missing players and to keep their win streak alive the Bears travel to Gouverneur to face the Wildcats at 4:30pm on Thursday.
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