Connersville

Back in action, in another road game, the Lady Spartans took on the Yorktown Lady Tigers on Wednesday. On the heels of a tough road loss at Pendleton the night before, the girls came out with more intensity Wednesday evening. The Spartans had numerous drives into the Lady Tigers' half and into their penalty areas in the first ten minutes. Unfortunately, the Spartans were first to concede a goal, mainly due to a defensive lapse, in the 11th minute. The first half continued, with the girls generating chance after chance, but not quite finding the back of the net, that is, until the 27th minute. A strong run down the Lady Tigers' left side (our right) saw Brook Padgett assist on a goal by Abbie Lindsey. With one minute remaining in the first half, a handball in the penalty area was called against the Spartans. Despite a great effort by keeper Zoey Klein, the Tigers converted, and the half ended 2-1 in favor of Yorktown. During halftime, the team discussed that if they could be crisper and more intentional with their passes, they believed they could play their forwards in behind the opposition's back line, and they were determined to try this. In the 35th minute, Blakelynn Branstetter, who had noticed the opposition keeper was playing short goal kicks, intercepted a goal kick and scored unassisted, bringing the game level. Two minutes later, with a well-timed through ball and an exceptionally timed run, Abbie Lindsey was played in behind the Tigers' back line and scored her second goal of the game, bringing the score to 3-2 in favor of the Lady Spartans. The remainder of the game was scoreless, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Down a goal, the Tigers committed more and more bodies to the attack. The Spartans absorbed wave after wave, breaking up passes, stopping shots, and with Zoey Klein making save after save. These girls put in a heck of a defensive shift! Notable performances were put in by: Leah Birgel at attacking mid, setting the tone in the second half by dribbling into space and making progressive passes, Hailey Birgel with an exceptional second half at left back, Kam Harmeyer at defensive mid, Abbie Lindsey, who played all three forward positions through the game, and, of course, Zoey Klein in goal. The "Larry Shaker Shot Maker" Award was presented to Zoey Klein by her teammates.