It was finally a perfect day for a soccer match.  The sun was shining, the pitch was in spectacular condition and 150 fans came to watch a classic spring match-up between the Sturgeon Bay and Sevastopol/Gibraltar Girls Soccer Teams.  This match was a thriller in the first half with Sturgeon Bay (SB) opening quickly with some nice passing combinations and getting a few early looks at goal, but Sevastopol/ (S/G) countered with physical play and speed.  As the half progressed, S/G  gained momentum and found some quality shots on goal, but the SB defenders managed to keep the score tied at half 0-0.  The second half was a different story with SB finding its offensive grove resulting in several deep offensive attacks.  Captain Anna Fischer connected with mid fielder Miranda Olson’s hard cross for the first score in the 65th minute.  In the 70th minute, Captain Fischer again found a deflected shot and buried it into the goal for a 2-0 lead.  In the 80th minute, a long ball forward to Captain Madison Starr led to the final Clipper goal and a 3-0 lead.  S/G finally broke through with a direct kick in the 88th minute and avoided the shut out.

“The Coaching Staff was very proud of the team’s resiliency and determination today.  We struggled later in the first half with passing and winning 50/50 balls.  Coach Andrea had his team ready to play today and our challenge was to pick up our pace and stay committed to our offensive strategy.  We had a good half time, made a few adjustments and punched in to work for the last 45 minutes.  The offense began to mount organized attacks and the defense continued their strong, reliable performance.  Our first goal energized the entire team.  We played with more confidence and played together.  S/G is a very solid team and we will not underestimate their speed and determination in future games.  All of our Captains, Anna Fischer, Madison Starr, Georgia Feldman and Claire Tellstrom played well tonight.  Freshmen Rachel Allen and Emma Riechel got their first starting assignments of the year and played impressively.  Keeper McKenna Gibson had 10 saves.  This win keeps SB in the mix for a second Conference Title.  Next for SB, NEW at Sturgeon Bay on Thursday, May 9th.”