BY CAITLIN SMITH
Special to the Clarkston News
Senior Allie Browe defiantly placed the ball into the corner of the net off a cross by freshman Mikayla Ferar, tallying Clarkston’s first goal of the game against Seaholm High with 10 minutes left in the first half.
The Lady Wolves Varsity Soccer team hoped to seal the win in the second half of Thursday’s game, but the Maples applied high pressure to their defense. They hit the cross bar on several occasions, knocking one in to tie the game with just under 10 minutes remaining. Not satisfied with a draw, they found one final opportunity on a breakaway, putting them up for the 2-1 win over Clarkston with two minutes left in the game.
Friday night’s game between Clarkston and Berkley Bears, delayed an hour by stormy weather, proved just as fierce. Within the first eight minutes of the starting whistle, Berkley was awarded a free kick at close range to Clarkston’s net. The ball crossed a mix of players and was finished by Berkley’s Karsyn Baker.
Clarkston responded quickly, pushing down the field and increasing their offensive attack. The heightened pressure paid off as junior Lauren Wagner dropped a free kick just above the reach of the Bear’s goalie to tie up the game.
However, minutes before half time, a foul by Clarkston’s defense would set Berkley up to score off a penalty kick. The Wolves went into the second half down a goal and fighting to come back.
Several scoring opportunities presented themselves, but Clarkston seemed unable to finish. An intense battle continued through the half and Berkley’s Stephanie Miller seized the chance to put away the game, scoring and giving the Bears a 3-1 lead for the win.
Berkley coach Cliff Brandmier said he was very happy with the win and that his team ‘came out and played well.?
Clarkston senior captain Meagan McCallum believes they can push past the losses.
‘Our team can’t have the mindset that we are always going to lose. We need to take each opponent and tell ourselves that we can beat them,? McCallum said.
The girls plan on keeping their heads up and starting fresh with their upcoming games this week. Commenting on the performance of her team, Coach Sarah Wasilk said her players ‘got beat to the ball both games.?
But no matter the end result, Coach Wasilk believes one word defining this team is ‘united.?
‘The girls are supportive of each other – they win together and they lose together,? she said.
The Lady Wolves honor their senior players with Senior Night at the Thursday, May 14, game against Lake Orion. Kick-off begins at 7 p.m., with Junior Varsity playing at 5:30 p.m.