In a battle of unbeaten conference rivals, the Cedar Cliff Colts used their team speed to come out with a 3-1 victory over the Red Land at Cedar Cliff on Thursday afternoon.
Despite falling behind 1-0 after an early goal by the Patriots’ sophomore Bryce Watts, the Colts rebounded quickly in the first half. Senior Katie Jaxheimer and freshman Taylor Chapman scored less than three minutes apart to put the Colts ahead for good. Devon DiSante added a second half goal for insurance.
“I was very impressed with how my team played like a team,” said Colts coach Koren McKay following the win. “We’ve been trying to work on gelling together...today was the first day we looked like a team and is hopefully the turning point for us.”
The Patriot outshot the Colts 19 to 14, but Colt’s senior goalkeeper Kristin James made 10 saves. The majority of James’ saves came early and late in the contest as the Patriots continued to add pressure by subbing in more offensive players.
“Solid and very versatile,” said James to describe her team’s defense. “They’re willing to mix it up and cover when they had more offensive players.”
The Colts used a speedy offense and team defense to help cause problems for the opposing Patriots.
“I think we gave Red Land a lot of headaches,” said McKay. “They couldn’t split our defense and then our attack did what they have been doing, they put the goals in.”
For the Patriots, it was not their best game, as they had several chances in front of the net that went wide or hit the crossbar.
“I feel like we had a really bad day,” said Patriots coach Jamie Miller. “Give credit to Cedar Cliff because they played well and beat us to balls…we just didn’t click as a team.”
On the schedule it looks like any other game, but to the Colts players, a win over their crosstown rival is much sweeter.
“It’s amazing,” said Jaxheimer. “I feel like we really worked as a team this year and we came out and got the W because we worked for it.”
For the coaches, the feeling is similar because of the effect it has on the team.
“It’s a huge confidence boost,” said McKay. “It’s always good to beat your rival.”
Commonwealth: Sami Goodyear made eight stops but CD East was overwhelmed by State College 7-0. ... Jess Brumbach’s finish six minutes into overtime gave Carlisle a 1-0 win over Central Dauphin. ... Kaitlyn Eckley found the back of the net in the 92nd minute as Mifflin County edged Chambersburg 2-1 in overtime.
Keystone: Taryn Messick, Kylen Smith and Nikki Saad all scored within a nine minute span to lead Lower Dauphin to a 4-2 win over Hershey. ... Susquehanna Twp. exploded for seven goals in the second half en route to an 8-0 win over Middletown. Delaney Meadows led the Indians with five goals. ... Maddie Good scored two of her three goals in the first half to lead Palmyra to a 4-1 win over Bishop McDevitt.
Capital: Erin Holjes, Samantha Knisley and Emily Robinson scored in the first half of West Perry’s 6-0 win over Milton Hershey. ... Abby Pendergist’s goal late in the second overtime sent Northern to a 3-2 win over Trinity.
Colonial: Tiffany Griffe scored her second goal seven minutes into overtime in Big Spring’s 3-2 win over Gettysburg. ... Marisa Weaver had a goal and an assist in the first half as Boiling Springs edged Waynesboro 3-2.
CCAC: Elizabeth Tonkin scored a pair of goals in Bible Baptist’s 2-1 win over Hershey Christian.
Others: Kayla Kelley notched a pair of goals as Halifax blanked Susquenita 3-0.
FIELD HOCKEY
Keystone: Sarah Cole scored a goal and an assist as Hershey downed Middletown 4-1.
Capital: Taylor Troutman and Brooke Bioski scored in the first half to lead West Perry to a 2-1 win over Susquenita. ... Kattie Sanchez scored two of her three goals in the second half a Milton Hershey rolled past East Pennsboro 6-0.
Tri-Valley: Brittany Fleisher scored twice as Greenwood pulled away in the second half for a 6-0 win over Lancaster Country Day.
Lanc.-Lebanon: Katie Eisenhauer scored 2:26 into the match as Northern Lebanon edged Elco 1-0.
GIRLS’ TENNIS
Others: Cassidy Fletcher and Bryana Melnick notched a key doubles victory as Lower Dauphin edged Palmyra 3-2.