Staff Writer
The pinnacle of the girl’s soccer Class D state final came early in last Wednesday’s match between Ashland and Richmond on the Hampden Academy turf. With 6:03 on the first half clock, Jacky Raymond tied the score off a Whitney Flint assist to bring Ashland supporters roaring to their feet. Ashland had entered the game, with the score 1-1.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson DISPLAYING THEIR SECOND PLACE PLAQUE the Ashland girls’ soccer team shows their trophy to the crowd.
“It was a beautiful goal,” commented coach Peter Belskis. “The ball skipped to Flint and she sailed the ball right to Raymond’s foot.”
Only 24 seconds later the 14-2 Bobcats regained the upper hand, which they maintained for the remainder of the first and second halves to win 5-2.
“They took the momentum right away from us,” noted Belskis. “It was the critical junction of the match.”
The Hornets came onto the field hungry to bring at least one silver state championship ball back to Ashland. They faced 10 seniors, who had played to state finals for four years, and every year had the title denied.
Bobcat Shelby Hurley put the maroon onto the scoreboard first within the beginning 10 minutes of play. Senior Hornet Raymond put heart back into the Ashland bystanders with her late goal, but Richmond’s Melanie Schanck quelled the cheering with the second Bobcat score.
During the half 10 minutes, Belskis attempted to rally the girls for better midfield possession in the face of Richmond’s experienced team.
The Bobcat offense proved their skills again during the opening minutes of the second half with double-goals by Schanck and Stephanie O’Brien. Bobcat Hurley had the last Richmond goal.
Flint closed the gap at the end of the second off an assist by Crystal Cook, but the Hornet’s knew the clock was against them as seconds ticked down.
“They had 11 shots and we had seven; the shots were not that dramatic,” said Belskis comparing the Richmond offense to his own. “It’s just that they made five of their shots and we made two. But if somebody had told me back in August that we would have an undefeated season and play at the state championships. I would’ve said ‘I’ll take it.’ They’ve set the bar high for the next group of girls.”
Belskis saw problems in midfield play and defense that led to their eventual loss. “The youth in our defense caught up with us,” he explained.
Freshman Rylee Graham has played the sweeper back position all season, and worked hard to hold the Bobcats back. She will return to the team for the 2008 season more experienced and with a state runner-up medal to her name.
In an award ceremony this week, Ashland will honor their girl’s team and retire jersey number 20. All season the Hornets have played in memory of their teammate Mindy Long, who was killed in a motor vehicle accident. They will retire her number so she will continually be honored even after the soccer season has ended.
