Lady Cats Soccer Team Downs Ridgway and Kane (10/18/17)

(By Coach Chris Schonbachler)
Clarion v Ridgway
The Clarion Area Lady Cat soccer team started the final week of their regular season with a trip to Johnsonburg Monday evening to face the Ridgway Lady Elkers.
On a cold evening, the Lady Cats heated up early with a penalty shot opportunity in the first half.  Alexa Hannold stepped to the penalty kick spot and hammered a shot past the goalkeeper, giving Clarion a 1-0 lead.  Ridgway’s Madeline Cowan evened the score with a half volley that found its way past Wendy Beveridge.
As the 2nd half progressed, the Lady Cats turned up the intensity and jumped ahead to a 2-1 lead when Wendy Beveridge struck a 40 yard free kick into the Lady Elker goalbox and Alish Nagy placed a perfect header past their goalkeeper.  Later in the half Lauren Troutman took advantage of a misplayed cross to chop a shot behind the goalkeeper for her first goal of the season.  Clarion held on for a hard fought 3-1 victory against a very talented Ridgway team.  The win gives the girls a record of 10-6 this season.
 Clarion vs Kane
On Tuesday afternoon the Clarion Area Lady Cats headed North to play the Kane Lady Wolves.
The game started slowly for the girls as they fought the effects of a late night return from Johnsonburg on Monday.  Hope Hazlett notched her first goal of the season with a well placed shot at a sharp angle from her right midfield position.  As the 2nd half got underway, the girls started finding their form, connected passes, and created several scoring chances.  Midway through the 2nd half Alexa Hannold added a second goal, her 14th of the season, giving Clarion a 2-0 lead.
Kane created several scoring chances late in the game, but Clarion’s defense lead by Gabby Weaver held firm and ensured another Clarion clean sheet(shutout).  The win improves the team’s record to 11-7 as they prepare for the District 9 playoffs next week.  The girls will celebrate Senior Night on Thursday, October 19th with their final regular season home game against Punxy.  Senior recognition starts at 6:00, the game will start at 6:30.
(Thanks to Coach Schonbachler for this article. Great Job, Lady Cats!!!!)