Lady Cats Win Nini Manfredo Tournament, Allow No Goals, Wendy Beveridge And Alexa Hannold Named MVPs (09/19/17)
(By Coach Chris Schonbachler)
The Clarion Lady Cat soccer team traveled to DuBois Central Catholic on Saturday, September 16th, for the annual Nini Manfredo Tournament.
The Clarion Girls got off to a solid start with a 3-0 win over Punxsutawney. Megan Stahlman led the scoring for the Lady Cats with 2 goals, Alexa Hannold added one as well.
Clarion squared off against Franklin in the second round of pool play. The Lady Cat offense jumped out to a commanding 4-0 lead by halftime. Alexa Hannold notched a hat trick, Alish Nagy scored her 2nd goal of the season, Wendy Beveridge added a pair of goals, and Ava Cherico scored her first goal as a Lady Cat in that victory.
As the top finishers in pool B, Clarion earned a spot in the championship match against pool A winner, Redbank Valley.
The first half of the game was a very even defensive match, until Alexa Hannold found the back of the Redbank net. In the 2nd half, Hannold would add another goal, along with Megan Stahlman, to secure the championship for the Ladycats, 3-0.
Throughout the day, the Clarion defensive back line of Rachel Grabiak, Gabby Weaver, Lindsey Kemmer, and Jenna Miller held opponents to limited scoring opportunities. Their elevated level of play made match-ups for the opposition very difficult.
Wendy Beveridge, along with freshman goalkeeper Cait Murtha, earned an impressive 3 consecutive shutouts. MVPs of the tournament, as voted on by coaches, went to Wendy Beveridge (Defensive MVP) and Alexa Hannold (Offensive MVP).
It was an outstanding effort by all of the Lady Cats on Saturday. Also, thanks to DuBois Central Catholic for once again organizing such a well run event.
(Thanks to Coach Schonbachler for this article and to Paul Weaver for the photo. Congratulations, Lady Cats!!!!)