When Clarkston took the soccer field against Rochester Adams May 7, Highlanders coach Juan Delgado was trying give his girls a rest leading up to the playoffs. Down the sidelines from Adams, Wolves coach Sarah Smith rested four starters because of injury.
Clarkston, minus offensive threats Courtney Meharg and Laura Gabriel, suffered through a 7-1 loss in an Oakland Activities Association crossover meeting.
‘As we get toward the end of the year, anybody with a scratch is going to sit because we want everyone 100 percent when we get to the playoffs. That’s always our goal. It’s tough to do playing in our league because every game is a battle,? Delgado said.
‘It’s tough to stay healthy, you have to be very careful about how you go about your season.?
The Highlanders (6-3-3) took a 3-0 lead into halftime and added three more goals in the first eight minutes of the second half. Kelsi Blauvelt added the lone Clarkston (3-7-1) goal with 19 minutes left in the second half, taking a lead pass from Kate Przybicien and beating Adams keeper Kristine Gasparovic in the top left of the net.
Adams, a state final-four team two of the past three seasons, is looking to up as the state playoffs inch closer.
‘Right now we’re keying on trying to get better as a team so we can peak at the end of the year. We’re fixing the little things we can improve on. We’ve been playing pretty well all year and now we want to peak toward the end,? Delgado said.
‘Adams is tough. I can’t complain about my girls? effort,? Smith said.
‘I always expect them to come out tough and for the most part we did pretty well.
‘I feel like we’re just constantly battling injuries.
‘It’s been tough, but hopefully we’ll have everyone back when the tournament comes.?
A different playing mindset could help the Wolves push their opponents back on their heels.
‘We go into the games very defensive-minded. I’d like to see my girls play more off the ball and make more offensive runs,? Smith said.
‘It’s a matter of getting our confidence up and getting to know our teammates.?