Clarkston goalkeeper Emily Pierce earned two shutouts in her first two district games before Rochester Adams defeated the Wolves 6-0 in the championship game on June 2.
Pierce had nine saves in the loss to the Highlanders. Clarkston Coach Sarah Smith said Pierce made some great saves against a solid team and she couldn’t have asked for more from her.
‘She always makes amazing saves,? Smith said. ‘She always comes ready to play. She is by far our best defensive player. It makes me sad that the score doesn’t reflect her talent and our season doesn’t reflect her talent as a keeper. She is our best player.?
Adams Coach Juan Delgado said his team made the most of their chances against Pierce.
‘We took advantage of our opportunities,? Delgado said. ‘We scored some nice goals. Their goalkeeper is very good. She is one of the best goalkeepers in the state in my eyes. She did a great job for them. We just did a great job of finishing today.?
Keely Chandler scored three goals, Lauren Sinacola added two goals, Angela Gerback had one goal and Brittany Boeckel had three assists for the Highlanders, who move on to face the winner of the Traverse City West district at Saginaw Heritage on June 6.
Clarkston defeated Waterford Mott 2-0 on June 1 to advance to the district championship game against Rochester Adams.
Junior Brittany Davis scored quickly for the Wolves against the Corsairs when she knocked in a rebound off the post two minutes into the game.
Marie Timm scored Clarkston’s second goal when she headed one in off a Davis corner kick with 10:55 left in the second half. Smith said Timm played well in all three district games.
‘She is our key defender,? Smith said. ‘If we give her a job, she is going to get it done. She had two goals even though she is a defender. She is a mentally and physically tough player and we know we can count on her.?
Timm and Pierce are two of six seniors the Wolves lose this season. Clarkston returns five starters and Smith said she is optimistic about next season.
‘I think we are going to be young,? Smith said. ‘The freshman team was really good this year. Our J.V. team has some good players and we had a few juniors on our team. I think we will miss our seniors, but I definitely think we can recycle.?
One of the players back will be Davis, who was a leading scorer for the Wolves this season.
‘She’s always been one of our go-to girls,? Smith said. ‘When she is on, you know we are having a good game. She has a great shot and she has a great corner kick.?