BY J.T. BOHLAND
Special to the Clarkston News
The weather ruined varsity girls? soccer Youth Night, but not their chances against the Harrison Hawks.
‘We love winning in the rain,? said kicker Katie Vondette, who scored the go-ahead goal late in the second half in Clarkston’s 2-1 victory, April 30.
‘What would seem like an unfavorable position for most teams is actually preferred by the girls? said coach Sarah Wasilk.
Her team loves to play games in the rain and she was excited to see the girls use the rain to their advantage against Harrison.
The team also overcame the loss of Clarkston’s three senior team captains Maegan McCallum, Audrey Batchik, and Courtney Meharg to injuries.
‘I still support my team by cheering them on from the sidelines during games and by trying to keep them positive at all times,? said Meharg, who tore her hip labrum early before the season during tryouts.
She hopes to get back in shape before playing soccer for Ferris State University next year.
The victory was payback for a 1-0 loss to Harrison earlier in the season, when two Clarkston goals were called back due to off-sides calls. The junior varsity girls set the tone for the night by beating Harrison’s JV squad, 8-0.
As the whistle started the game, Clarkston came out with hustle and determination, but Harrison scored their first and only goal six minutes in from a corner kick.
Clarkston senior Allie Browe seemed motivated by the goal as she hustled down the field for some early shots on goal, but Harrison kept the ball in Clarkston’s territory for most of the first half.
Clarkston picked up their intensity towards the end of the half, but were still behind at the half.
Clarkston came back looking like a new team, more aggressive and physical. The hard fought battle continued as the clock ran down to three minutes, when freshmen Taylor Stokes scored to tie the game.
The Wolves pushed the ball down field into Harrison’s territory where a nervous Harrison worked to defend their goal. Their efforts weren’t enough, as Vondette kicked the ball into Harrison’s goal with a little over a minute left in the game.
Clarkston varsity girls? soccer advances their season record, 2-4-4. This week, they take on Groves, Seaholm, and Berkley high schools, all at home.