District Finalists!

Congratulations Huskies on a season where you won 70% of your games. Highlights include a big victory over defending two-time State Champion Forest Hills Central in the District Semifinal, an early-season victory over Okemos, and taking top ranked Portage Central to overtime in mid-season. "District Finalist" in the toughest district in the state ain't too shabby, and parents, friends, and fans enjoyed the show!

For a slideshow of action photos from games throughout the season, click here.

For passersby on Milham Avenue, seeing the huge crowd and knowing the two Portage high schools were banging heads in the district final at Portage Northern, they may have been slightly shocked that the scoreboard read: Home 4…Guest 2. Certainly, the unranked Huskies beating the undefeated and top ranked Mustangs would be considered an upset.

Well, tempted to end the story there, we must continue.

In the district draw, the Portage Central Mustangs were considered the home team in the final, and they played up to their billing as top dog; I mean horse, in the district that has seen East Kentwood and Forest Hills Central go home earlier than either would have hoped for. Perhaps the largest crowd in the recent history of the matchup turned out on this beautiful Saturday afternoon. Portage Northern gave the Mustangs a close encounter until about three minutes left, when Paige Wester scored her second goal of the game to give PC the breathing room they needed to finish the victory.

Central scored first 17 minutes into the game, after controlling most of game up to that point. With just under five minutes left in the half, Sam Kay weaved through three defenders before a flurry of action in front of the goal, where Casey Shauman drained the tying goal. A tie at the break could have been a motivation generator for Northern, as their defense played a stellar first half since most of the action was in their territory. However PC countered with under three minutes left to take a 2-1 halftime lead.

Northern senior Jillian Karrick made two nice saves in the first ten minutes of the second half, but the Mustangs scored shortly after that to move the lead to 3-1. From that point until the final goal with under three minutes left, Northern created enough opportunities to cause havoc, but could only connect on one of them. After a foul outside of and near the left edge of the box, Anna Stinson hit a hard free kick that PC goalie Sam Bowditch knocked down; but an alert Laura Glass drained the rebound to make it 3-2. Northern tried but could not get the equalizer, in large part due to the continued ball-control game of the Mustangs. After Wester's late goal, the game ended 4-2 in favor of Mustangs, who move to regional action and will have to defend their "favored" status throughout the remaining games. Good luck to PC.

The Huskies finish a fine 15-6-1, and even more fine is the efforts that six seniors have given for the past 3 and 4 years, primarily all varsity years for each one. The memories made will continue for a lifetime, and their record over those four years is a remarkable 72-17-7. The three prior seasons, these seniors enjoyed three district crowns, one regional title, and a conference championship. Although denied in this current district title game, the hardware of the past three seasons will shine in the Huskie Halls for a long time (and if you haven't seen the Senior Night photos yet, click here).

Thanks…Krista Clancy (fancy feet, scrappy, many defensives gems and last chance saves over the years); Megan Hayes (long bombs…some for goals, perfect timing and clearing, confidence); Andrea Jones (AJ, Jonesy; consistency with power, not backing down, a rock on D); Jillian Karrick (thankfully gave up track; fearless without regard to her body; academic prowess; and one of the most memorable saves ever captured on a highlight video); Rachel Meyer (speed with smarts; smooth passing; brought some "attitude" to the pitch this year and created some Husky PK's with it); Sam Pace (toughness with talent; ball control…Marshall had to practically decapitate her to get the ball out of the corner; and did we mention toughness yet?). It's always tough to fill the shoes of seniors, and this year will be even more so due to the experience, and experiences, they depart with.

But, like always, Portage Northern will fill them, and come back for more memories next year.

Paying respect to the flag	Cassie knocks it upfield	Ball's to her right and Anna's first to it

Coaches as the game gets underway	Chez Husky served us well all season

Jillian's in the middle of this scrum and comes up with the save		Lots of action in the air

Megan sends a direct kick into the PC box	Casey works to break free

Sam pulls ahead	Natalie defends shoulder to shoulder

Laura waits for the right time to dispossess	Andrea keeps her outside

PN defeats Forest Hills Central in District Semifinal (27.May.2009)

The nut has been cracked. Let's take the time tunnel back to the spring of 2005, the 22-win Huskies vs. Forest Hills Central in the state semi-finals. The Rangers knock the Huskies out one game from the title match. A few more years of thumping followed. Last season, to the spring of 2008, the 22-win Huskies vs. Forest Hills Central in the state semi-final game once again. The Rangers knock the Huskies out one game from the title match, and go on to win their third state title in the last five years. One month ago, in the infamous "Flu" game, the Rangers throttle the Huskies 4-0. Now, tonight, with nutcrackers in hand, and a prophetic pre-game rainbow encompassing the newly paid off Chez Husky concession and bathroom, the Huskies finally were able to get that Ranger off their back.

Looking back (OK, still in the past…sorry) after last year's loss, here is a sentence from that final game recap: "Northern moves up to Division One next year, and out of D-2. As long as Forest Hills Central stays in D-2, this could be a good move for Northern!" Well, as it turned out, FHC moved up also, and once again here they were!

The rainbow followed a downpour which preceded a very sunny and steamy first half. The Rangers seemed to create more first half opportunities than the Huskies, but the defense came up with one big play after another. And when they weren't making big plays around the goal, they were winning many individual battles. Freshman Brianne Bye let Husky fans think for a moment "oh no, the opponent is getting by Bri"…but only for a moment if that. Instantly Bri reverses fortunes and takes control. The defense of Andrea Jones, Megan Hayes, Laura Glass and Natalie McClish came up big play after play. Sam Kay played good D also…oops, she's on offense…but she was everywhere, seemingly playing O and D. Sam Pace played perhaps her best game as a Husky, doing the hustle and the small things that create victory. Casey Shauman, another offensive player, joined McClish and Cassie VanderSloot in rejecting balls that were net-bound. Rachel Meyer played well, and very nearly drove home the dagger with a sneaky long ball in the second half when the goalie had ventured out too far. Danielle Melgar, Krista Clancy, and Kallie Strazdas also supplied quality minutes to help the cause.

Northern did grab the first half lead with just 12 minutes left, after VanderSloot and Kay won balls in the middle and got a pass to Stinson, who moved around a couple defenders and lofted a ball just outside the goalie's reach. Of the close calls at the other end, one hair-raising session (even for Jillian's grandpa) was with 5 minutes left in the half, when dangerous Ranger Kaely Schlosser worked along the end line to within a few feet of goalie Jillian Karrick and let it rip. The ball ricocheted around like a pinball machine right back into hands of Karrick, protecting the 1-0 halftime lead. It was one of 9 saves Jill made for the game, with a few coming at crunch time near the end of the game. The hot first half ended with most Northern players looking like their lungs were too small for another half.

Halftime saw some fans that could not eat during the day due to nerves purchase settling beverages like coke…but no food just yet.

The second half Northern seemed to energize. Megan Hayes, who in numerous games can be one of Northern's best offensive weapons with her monster Sweeper kicks, set up for a free kick at midfield 8 minutes into the half. With a couple teammates looking like they were closing in for headers (just a camouflage), they stepped back and let the ball bounce, surprising the goalie who could only watch the bomb explode into the net. With the old "a 2-goal lead is a dangerous lead" mantra lingering in heads, the Huskies got the ever, EVER so important third goal just two minutes later. Stinson fired a corner to near the top of the box where VanderSloot slapped a one-timer past the goalie. Ah, 3-0 felt so good…until the Rangers woke up with just 18 minutes left. Schlosser drove the end line again, and her short cross was drilled home making it 3-1. Then with two minutes left, the Rangers scored again making it 3-2. In what may have been the slowest 120 seconds known to mankind, Northern hung on and ended the physical, draining contest in the knick of time. Efficiency was key, as Northern lost the Shots on Goal stat by a 4-11 mark, but 3 of the 4 shots found the net.

The win made five losses during the regular season seem irrelevant…well, maybe four of the losses anyway. In the toughest district in the state, the two Portage teams survive to play for the District marbles on Saturday. The only thing that could be better than this is, well, if we were in different divisions like last year. But since we aren't, let the games begin.

In this sequence goalkeeper Jillian Karrick snuffs out an attack by Forest Hills Central standout Kaely Schlosser

Karrick saved almost everything that came her way. Here are four other second half saves to preserve the victory.

From "Zoo On The Pitch" blog Tuesday before 1st round games-

Portage Northern got districts going with a solid victory over Kalamazoo Central, 8-0, in the last game this year that the Huskies will be "favored". With districts on their home turf, Northern did not waste time, scoring less than one minute in on a Samantha Kay unassisted goal. Kay would end up with a Texas hat trick, scoring three more times, two on assists from Anna Stinson and Sam Pace. Stinson scored twice, one on a long free kick (see photo below). Natalie McClish also scored, on a cross pass from Kay. Senior goalie Jillian Karrick recorded the shutout in goal, the Huskies 7th shutout of the season.

The other Husky goal came off the foot of Erin Prior, a freshman playing on the varsity for the first time (assisted by Kallie Strazdas). Other JV players who saw action and contributed to the victory were sophomores Lauren Barlow and Sydney Block, and freshmen Josie Huss and Chelsea Carpentier.

Another freshman, although not a newcomer to the varsity, who seemed to have a little more speed than normal on this day…less (h)air resistance…was Danielle Melgar. Over the weekend, Danielle had her head shaved to raise money for cancer research, and in honor of her late younger brother Austin. Danielle is one of the few people we know that could shave her head and still look cute! Way to go Danielle, keeping the fight going.

Wednesday night Northern will try to turn the tables on a Forest Hills Central team that has been a tough nut to crack the past few years. Get your friends and family out to the game; and everyone bring your nutcrackers.

PC plays Lowell at 5:00 and PN plays FHC at 7.

Anna jukes around a defender in first half action	Hard to see but Stinson put this direct kick between the fingertips and the crossbar	Natalie owned the right side and had many nice crosses into the box

Rachel wins this one in the air and played strong offense and defense	Melissa puts it back in play and had a good game up front	Jillian doesn't get too many assists but she had a big one after the game

EGR Rolls to Victory (22.May.2009)

One of our most loyal fans, Laura Glass' grandmother Marian Glass, drove to most of the team's games. She gave kind smiles to all, and contributed calm game commentary---she was a very pleasant piece of the Husky fan club. She was on her way to our game Wednesday when a car accident claimed her life. The Husky soccer program offers thoughts and prayers to Laura, Blake, Sarah, and Blake Jr.

Northern traveled to East GR for their final regular season game. EGR has been a D-2 force in soccer for years, and this year is no exception as they are ranked third. They tout a very talented senior class, and especially at the midfield. But it was an "off the radar" freshman who fired up three goals within seven minutes near the end of the first half that created a 3-0 halftime lead. The deficit was depressing, but the Huskies played their best soccer of the game over the first 30 minutes of the second half, creating many opportunities. In fact, for the whole game, the Huskies were only outshot 18-21.

It seemed Northern got the break they needed midway through the second half, when Krista Clancy was flattened in the box from behind. Sadly, neither ref could locate their whistle at the time, and the break vanished. EGR scored late in the game to finish off the 4-0 victory.

On to districts, where EK and FHC coaches are quoted in Saturday's Grand Rapids Press as calling it by far the toughest district in the state. FHC Coach Stacey said "if you want the best teams in the state to play each other late in the tournament, this is NOT the way to do it." Yet the State Tournament is the place to face the best, so let the games begin!

As is typical of any match against a highly ranked opponent, much of it was played in the air

The Portage Northern Huskies players, parents and fans enjoyed a day full of stress-free school and work leading up to a friendly game of soccer with the St. Joe Bears. It was yet another benefit of playing in the conference runner-up game. It was also the first 80 degree game with bright sunshine…just another reason for looking at the bright side.

Today's Kalamazoo Gazette sports section had a huge headline: "Sizzlin' Sammy". OK, it was for the Detroit Red Wings Samuelson, but it could be tomorrow's headline also. Sam Kay and Sam Pace alternated goals in the first fifteen minutes of the game, two each to give the Huskies a 4-0 lead. All four goals were assisted by Anna Stinson, who was fresh off a six game suspension for giving blood without her headgear on, definitely a red card.

Casey Shauman scored the fifth goal of the game on a pass from senior Rachel Meyer. Rachel knows the game well, which is kind of surprising since whenever she would go to her older sister's games when she was a kid, she and her younger sister Hannah (JV team) would run off to the woods and play with their dolls the entire game.

St. Joe scored midway through the first half to make it 5-1. Then, before the half ended, Stinson scored on a long loft shot off a fine pass from Melissa Trebing to make it 6-1 at the break.

On the defensive end in the first half, Chantel LaDuke took advantage of some extra playing time by playing tough D. Also, Brianna Melgar stuffed the Bears on a few occasions. The entire defense has done excellent work this year, allowing just over one goal per game on average, including six shutouts.

The second half would be cut short by 15 minutes due to the Huskies scoring three more times. Sam Kay completed her hat trick on an assist from the other Sizzlin' Sam. Danielle Melgar scored off an assist from Cassie VanderSloot, and then Stinson finished the scoring and the game by striking a free kick from 30 yards out just over the goalie's head. Northern wins 9-1 to go 14-4-1 on the season.

JV GAME SUMMARY: The St. Joe Bears came to town hoping to steal a win from a topsy-turvy Portage Northern JV team, but they left sorely disappointed. The Huskies took early command of the game and never relinquished control as they sailed to an easy 3-1 victory. The ladies pounded the St. Joe defense with 18 shots on goal. Two goals were scored by Erin Prior bringing her season total to 12 and one goal was added by Megan Stanley raising her total to 9. Because the Bear defense constantly played up too far, the Huskies were able to kick the ball past the last defender multiple times. From there it was a race to the ball and usually another shot on goal by the home team. Taylor Hopkins and Sydney Block combined for a total of three saves. Crisp passing and being first to the ball were the key ingredients that allowed the team to come out on top. Nice job, girls - another well-deserved win! The last game of the season will be played in East Grand Rapids on Friday.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Annual Benefit Dinner

Lindsay Tarpley is the featured speaker at this year's Big Brothers Big Sisters Benefit Dinner at the Radisson Plaza Hotel on June 15 starting at 5:15. Tickets cost $300 each and include a ticket for a demonstration by Lindsay Tarpley earliler that day. To purchase tickets and/or become a sponsor, please contact Louise Wright at 343-2963, wrilei@charter.net, or Sherry Butler at 382-6800, SherryB@bbbsmi.org. For more information, click here Big Brothers Big Sisters Corporate Sponsorship opportunities

What could be better than a game of high school women's soccer on a crisp, sunny spring evening at one of the nicest soccer fields in the area? A victory, that's what. But a certain motivated team that has not had success against Portage Northern in recent memory was determined to end their skein once and for all. The Lakeview Spartans were focused on Northern, while Northern may have been peaking around the corner looking for a perennial rematch with Portage Central on Wednesday. Whatever the reasons, the bottom line is the Huskies were ambushed by a hungrier team on this night.

The first half was fairly even, with possession probably in favor of the Huskies. Northern did create perhaps five or six scoring chances, but could not find the back of the net. The Spartans found it however, 23 minutes into the contest, and grabbed a 1-0 lead that would hold up until less than five minutes left in the game. With Northern pressing forward to try to create late game heroics, Lakeview would twice in two minutes put daggers into the Dawg by countering and beating the Huskies back at the other end. The three goals by Lakeview were nearly as efficient as you can get, coming with only four shots on goal (to six for the Huskies).

Looking for silver linings:

Cassie moves in for one of her patented slide tackles	Sam holds off a strong opponent	Natalie chooses a good spot to deliver

Megan sends it back into the mix	Erika steps in front to be first to the ball	Casey after one of her well-timed headers

Like a scene from the movie Groundhog Day, it all seemed so familiar. Work all day, come to the game, and the Lakeshore Lancers are on the field again. They were just here Monday, and now two days later they're back thanks to the luck (or lack of luck for those who dislike four hours on a bus in one week) of the conference tournament draw. Fans lugged in umbrellas and lightning rods, but the storm that was forecast all day whimpered into dark clouds and a nice breeze…perfect weather for a victory.

Ten minutes into this game, Northern fired up a scoring spurt over the next 4 minutes with three goals. First, Casey Shauman played a perfect pass to Sam Kay, who quickly made a deposit into the net. Then Laura Glass, a state qualifying golfer in the fall, put a corner kick on a tee, where Menace McClish putted the ball to Cassie VanderSloot, who finished the hole with a wedge shot over the goalies head, for a birdie and a 2-0 lead. Then, the Sams got together for a beauty, with Sam Pace hitting a perfect header to lead Sam Kay toward the goal on the run, where Kay scored again. Kay contributed to the next goal as well, passing to McClish who crossed a perfect ball to Melissa Trebing, who knocked the ball into the net and performed a very quick victory leap. The Huskies led 4-0 at the half.

The Lancers got on the board ten minutes into the second half on an awesome spin move by A. Johnson to get free and score. But within the next two minutes, Northern would counter twice. Danielle Melgar made a fine goal from the left side after a nice lead pass from Kay. Then, National Sam Day continued when Sam Pace scored unassisted. Finally, Sam Kay again, with a cross that Kallie Strazdas ever so slightly headed to Erika Jansen, who slammed the ball in from the right side for the final goal in the 7-1 win.

Northern moves to 13-3 on the year, with tough games galore coming up Friday (at Plainwell), Monday (at Lakeview), Wed (we hope somewhere really close), and next Fri (at East GR). And then…let's not be shy about it…the state title run. With the ultra-tough Districts at the Husky Soccer Complex this year, we can honestly say the state title runs through Northern!

Trying to knock in a nice serve from the corner	AJ heads it with authority

JV GAME SUMMARY: This was a repeat performance by the JV squad who went up against the same Lakeshore Lancers team as they did on Monday. After a freak goal by the opponents, the Huskies got it in gear and controlled the tempo for the rest of the game cruising to a 4-1 win. Besides the four goals scored by Erin Prior, Savannah Fuller and Chelsea Carpentier (2), the Huskies added another 10 shots on goal. The defense could not be penetrated and allowed the offense to maintain constant pressure on the Lakeshore squad. As the old saying goes, "The best offense is a good defense." Taylor Hopkins and Sydney Block combined for a total of three saves. Good hustle and excellent execution made this another easy victory for the home team. Next on the docket: an away game against Plainwell this Friday.

The Mayor added a new twist to Chez Husky tonight, offering up sautéed onions as a compliment to the grilled burgers, brats and chicken sandwiches. These things don't just happen naturally…they demand huge efforts by parents who sacrifice their time and energy to make a soccer program successful and attending a game an event. Betty Trebing and Sharon Strazdas create a dining experience that is unmatched in any high school soccer complex in the area, if not the state. You are lucky to get a cold dog at other "high end" concession stands, but tonight my grilled chicken sandwich, with lettuce, tomato, sautéed onions, mustard; complimented with dessert of four Tootsie Pops (2 orange and 2 brown…Go Huskies) was as good as it gets. Thanks Betty and Sharon for another year of Husky Dinner Theatre.

As for soccer, the Lakeshore Lancers, second in the West Division, visited for a West vs. Central crossover game. Northern would control most of this game, but with a few very fast and talented offensive threats, Lakeshore showed a potential for scoring. At the ten minute mark, one of these athletes broke open for a breakaway toward the goal…but Megan Hayes chased her down and made a steal at the last second. Midway through the first half, Northern finally took the lead with a Laura Glass corner kick redirected by Sam Kay right to Casey Shauman, who performed a funky leg contorting pirouette reverse knee bending goal. With 10 minutes left in the half, it was Casey again, this time with a pass to Kallie Strazdas, who forwarded a perfect cross pass to Natlie McClish, who gave the Huskies a 2-0 lead. Two minutes later, Schauman took a pass from Sam Pace, and then promptly hit the cross bar, which she does often because it tends to be more challenging than simply putting into that big space with the net, which anybody can do! Just before the half, Sam Pace continued her fine passing and pushed one over to Glass, who rifled a shot past the goalie for a 3-0 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Huskies scored twice more. Danielle Melgar, who made a few perfect crosses that weren't finished earlier, finally had one put away by Rachel Meyer, her second goal in two games, both being hard one-time blasts off fine cross passes. Then, finishing the scoring, Strazdas fought hard to win the ball, then sent a pass to Sam Kay, who hit a ball directly to Danielle Melgar, who then wrapped up the Northern scoring, giving the Huskies the 5-0 win.

On the defensive front, besides another shutout by Jillian Karrick, Brianna Melgar made numerous fine defensive plays. Also playing well at both ends of the field, a senior player who seems to never let up, always working hard, and constantly looking for that next battle for the ball…Krista Clancy…nicknamed by her youth soccer coach Pete Jarrad as "The Junkyard Dog". That's right; don't come sneaking around at night looking for that certain easy pass to make or run to take, 'cause the Junkyard Dog will eat you alive.

Rachel heads it ahead	Sam launches a strong shot	Krista drives quickly upfield

JV GAME SUMMARY: The JV Huskies had a pretty easy time handling the Lakeshore Lancers and controlling the ball for most of the game. The Huskies kept the Lancers back on their heels as they racked up 16 shots on goal in a one-sided 6-0 game. Husky goals were contributed by Sarah Kreider, Hope White, Danielle Hirsch, Chelsea Carpentier and Erin Prior who scored two. The defense was spectacular with Stephanie Cooper, Jenna Long and Lauren Barlow leading the way. Although our goalkeepers got to touch the ball a few times, it was another game where neither Taylor Hopkins nor Sydney Block recorded a single save. The ladies earned this win with lots of hustle and precise passing. This is one win they can all be proud of. Thank you JV squad for making this game an enjoyable one to watch. The ladies now prepare for a tournament game on Wednesday.

More Senior Night photos are available on the Senior Night page

It was Senior Night at Portage Northern Soccer Complex, and Northern's #1 senior for many years, Trudy Riker, was once again on hand to let our girls know they needed to pick it up a notch, the refs know to pay a little closer attention, and after a second half lockdown, that "That's more like it, ladies!" The former soccer (coach) mom knows a ho-hum half when she sees one, and knows a great half also. She witnessed both tonight.

The team's seniors were honored before the game, with their parents, for three and four years of varsity service for all six of them. The seniors again played large for the Huskies in the 3-1 victory:

Gull Lake controlled most of that ho-hum first half, even though the Huskies did get off about five excellent shot attempts. Husky defender Natalie McClish was goalie-in-training in the early minutes, kicking away two balls considering crossing the goal line. GL continued pressing, and drew first blood (not to be confused with drawing blood by the American Red Cross, which can often be a bloody nightmare) at the 26 minute mark on a loose ball in the box that Bond flicked over Karrick's head. Just two minutes later however, one of Meyer's shots was deflected OB by the Gully (Gull Lake goalie), giving Northern a corner. Laura Glass sent the ball into the box where senior AJ Andrea Jones got the tying goal. Hey, maybe that wasn't such a ho-hum half.

The second half saw Northern really put forth one of the best halves of soccer this year. On the defensive end, freshman Brianne Bye, thinking it was senior night so she was supposed to play like a senior, really tightened the reigns defensively on the other team's main offensive player, which has been her assignment much of the year. Cassie VanderSloot also worked like a warrior in the middle.

After McClish hit the crossbar on a shot, Meyer hit a smashing one-timer from a perfect cross from Casey Shauman, for the eventual game winner. Just moments later, VanderSloot found Samantha Kay near the goal and Kay did not waste the pass, scoring for the sixth time in three games, to give the Huskies the 3-1 victory. The shots on goal totals were close, with Northern at 12 and Gull Lake at 8.

Are you still with me? Senior Jillian Karrick went upstairs to knock out a couple potential goals tonight. Nobody would doubt Jillian's ability to climb to great heights in her upcoming career either, a confident and kind go-getter. When Jill was a 4th grader, she begged her dad Greg to let her come up on the roof with him when he was doing a project up there. His response was always "No", because once up there, she would undoubtedly find trouble. One evening, Greg and Wendy left for a few hours for a quick date. A neighbor called their cell phone to tell them Jillian was on the roof. The neighbor said she told Jill to come down from the roof, but Jillian, of sound mind and spirit, said "Oh, it's OK, my dad lets me do this all the time". Jill didn't even use a ladder, but used stacked chairs, boxes and a bucket to get up there…hmmm, sound mind?? Husky fans know, however, it is this kind of experience that makes Jill one of the best goalies around!

Andrea Jones knocked in this goal after a perfect serve from Laura Glass as two other Huskies are there to make sure it goes in

JV GAME SUMMARY: The JV squad had a tough time handling the Gull Lake Blue Devils. The Huskies were on the short end as they fell 3-0 on Thursday. The only offense mustered up by the team were three shots on goal as they were out-hustled for nearly the entire game. Although the skill of the Gull Lake squad was very comparable to ours, their speed gave them the upper hand on every play. Goalkeepers Taylor Hopkins and Sydney Block were able to tally eight saves between themselves. The gals will need to get back to basics, become more proactive than reactive and focus on the next game which is at home against Lakeshore on Monday.

Former Husky star defender Mary McCarthy would have loved the physicality of this match, since she is now playing rugby at Michigan. The Safe Sports Prayer came in handy in the pregame, since this was not a contest for the faint of heart. True fans of English football had to be impressed with some of the strong play displayed Monday evening.

The game was evenly and fairly played in the first half, with more of the action taking place on the Husky offensive end though. Not until half way through the first half did Northern break the scoreless tie. With Kristin Kay taking a bathroom break (was it a real break or just one of her patented "leave the bleachers and Northern scores" things), Krista Clancy took control of a ball just outside the box and was fouled. Sam Kay drilled a low worm-burner through the defensive wall and into the far corner. Within seconds, Kristin resurfaced. The goal held up for a halftime lead of 1-0.

Many underclassmen played well tonight, including healthy again Natalie McClish and Erika Jansen. But it was an all-around effort by the senior class that met the challenges and came through to lead the Huskies to victory. Krista Clancy with smart, heads-up play; goalie Jillian Karrick with some nice saves and the shutout; Rachel Meyer hustling all over the offensive end; Andrea Jones with rock solid, you can't knock me down D; Megan Hayes with her "give my fans their breath back" clearing kicks; and Sam The Bam Pace, who took the ball to the corner twice in the last few minutes and protected it like a Husky protects it's young.

The second half saw the athletic RedHawks threaten a few times, although the Huskies ended up having a shot on goal advantage of 11 to 3 for the game. Northern's play calmed briefly in the half, but Joyce McClish reignited the team: "Come on Huskies, stop playing like puppies"! Northern finished out the game playing tough, and after all the fireworks, Sam Kay broke free with about ten seconds left…and you just knew it wasn't going to be easy. Sammy was clipped from behind with two seconds left. As she lined up for the PK, both sides, fans and players, were confused and thought the game was tied, or at least that's the way everyone was yelling and screaming. Kay punched in the PK for a 2-0 victory and her second goal of the contest.

It was an exhausting game…for the fans. But we need to stay focused. There are many more games where we need to come up with creative things to yell (positive things please), so get your rest, stay away from large gatherings of people, drink plenty of fluids, and save room for a grilled chicken sandwich.

We can guess who's going to win this ball...	Looks like the far post's open especially if she can bend it like Beckham

JV GAME SUMMARY: The JV squad fell just short on Monday, losing 2-1 to the Marshall Redhawks. Because both squads were so equally matched, it was fun to watch this nail-biter as momentum shifted several times throughout the game. The Huskies were able to penetrate the Marshall defense, but their shots were limited. They worked hard to get nine shots on goal, six by Erin Prior. Chelsea Carpentier was accredited for the lone Husky goal. Danielle Salayer kept the Redhawks' offense in check running down the balls and keeping them at bay for most of the game. Goalkeepers, Taylor Hopkins and Sydney Block had a light day accumulating a total of seven saves. The gals will refocus and gear up for a home game on Thursday as they face Gull Lake.

Cetera Washington. Talisha Bridges. Ondrea Hughes. These players have dished it out relentlessly and drove their Loy Norrix Knights to victory year after year. Luckily, those are basketball players. Every school has their sport to pound on you, and it hasn't been soccer for the Knights. However, with two new very knowledgeable coaches, some young talent, and signs tonight that they are getting "game", it could be a short while before Norrix is very competitive. Tonight they showed some passion and some patience, and their senior leader Hannah Labadie chased down a nice pass and scored ten minutes in to tie the score at 1-1; but even with promise, that would be the lone goal for the Knights on this night.

That Husky first goal came quickly on an unassisted goal by Samantha Kay three minutes into the game. After the Labadie score, another 12 minutes passed before Northern would score and take the lead for good. Danielle Melgar slotted a ball into the middle to Kay, who calmly just lifted her foot and let the ball slide under it to a wide open Anna Stinson, who scored from five yards out. In the last ten minutes of the first half, the Huskies would finish the scoring for the game with two more goals. The first came off a Stinson rocket that hit the crossbar (her second bar in seconds); Sam Kay gathered up the rebound, took a quick dribble and placed the ball perfectly in the corner of the net. Then, Kay again, for the hat trick, when the Norrix goalie misfired on a clearing attempt to a "wide open" Kay, who was, like, "cool", and jammed home her third goal and a 4-1 halftime and final score.

There were things to improve on for the Huskies, but there were also many good things that happened throughout the game. Sam Pace delivered a slew of nice passes and was radically calm in numerous physical exchanges. Breanne Bye seemed to win all of her individual battles, and Megan Hayes continually swept up threats and delivered surefire passes.

This ability of senior Megan Hayes to pick off passes, step in to tackle opponents, and deliver accurate passes did not simply come naturally for Megan. It took a lot of practice at an early age, and most of that practice came in Kohl's Department Store. With Judy doing the shopping for the family, she would give Megan a piece of paper to draw on. Megan would wad the paper up into a ball, then put it on the store floor and get after it. Dribbling around clothes racks, down isles, kicking it over the displays, nutmegging the clerk, and, now, you know the rest of the story.

JV GAME SUMMARY: The JV Huskies set another season record with 19 shots on goal as they easily defeated the Loy Norrix Knights, 6-0. This was also the second game this season where neither Husky goalkeeper had a single save. The six goals were scored by six different players: Sarah Kreider, Danielle Hirsch, Kristen Seymour, Nikki Hartman, Ciara Pinho and Chelsea Carpentier. This game was one of complete domination as the Huskies retrieved the ball only a handful of times from their defensive end and maintained ball control with crisp passing and ball control. It looks like the JV squad is back to their winning ways and hopefully they'll keep this momentum going next Monday when they face Marshall (Crossover East opponent) on their home turf. Congratulations, ladies! The accolades are yours to enjoy!

After four scrimmages to work the winter kinks out, the season opener finally arrived. The Husky field had a rough winter, and Athletic Director Chris Riker had to answer this question no less than 40 times: "when is the field going to be rolled?" But since both teams play on the same surface, all was fair. The Huskies attacked early, in the first few minutes, with Sam Kay working the ball into freshman Casey Shauman, who barely misfired on her first high school career attempt. But shortly thereafter, Shauman would not be denied. Soph Laura Glass sent in a perfect corner kick that Andrea Jones knocked to Casey, who drained her first career goal and the first goal of the season for the Huskies, at the six minute mark.

After the quick score, Northern settled in a little too quickly and BC Lakeview carried the play for about 15 minutes, working some free kicks and two of their three overall corners. One shot got behind Northern goalie Sydney Block but was swatted away by Shauman inches from the goal line.

Sophomore Block was in goal for her first varsity start ever, and gets to start her scrapbook with this headline: "Sydney Blocks all shots for first career shutout!" She is thankful for a defensive front that bent only for a few minutes during the game, but didn't break. Freshman Breanne Bye, Glass, Jones, Natalie McClish, and Erika Jansen all performed well in the back, with appreciated help from the midfielders.

Lakeview again pressured the Husky goal the first ten minutes of the second half, but Northern then started to control the game a little more and finished the final 15 minutes in strong Husky fashion. Finally with six minutes left the Huskies added an insurance goal, with AJ Andrea Jones…hey isn't she a defender…getting her second assist of the game by lofting a ball into a small pack ten yards out in front of the goal, where Anna Stinson corralled it and spun between two defenders to slip the ball by the Lakeview goalie.

Huskies finish with 12 shots, 8 on goal, with 6 corners, while holding Lakeview to 4 shots with one on goal.

Northern plays twice next week on artificial surfaces (Monday at Vicksburg; Wed at E. Kentwood), with the next home game not until April 15 (CPA's get in free that game). This will give the Husky pitch time to heal and grow, and, will it be rolled by then?

JV GAME SUMMARY: While weathering the cold for the first game of the season, our JV Huskies came up just short in a 2-1 loss to Lakeview Spartans. Our Goalkeeper, Taylor Hopkins did an awesome job recording 4 saves and the Husky offense took credit for 7 shots on goal: 2 by Chelsea Carpentier and one each by Erin Prior, Danielle Hirsch, Ciara Pinho, Danielle Melgar and Megan Stanley. Danielle Melgar kept the Spartan defense on their heels as she continually pressured the ball into scoring territory. Our team out-hustled the Spartans, but found it difficult to get a quality shot on goal. Jenna Long and Lauren Barlow kicked up their defensive finesse running down balls and keeping the Huskies in the game for the entire 70 minutes. Ciara Pinho has a personal vendetta against shutouts, so with five minutes left in the game she powered in the lone goal for the Huskies. We're all expecting a major rebound when the ladies play Monday, 3-30 in Vicksburg.

DATES TO REMEMBER-

Youth Night is Wednesday April 22 (youth grades K-6 wearing soccer jersey will get in free)

Saturday May 2 is dinner at Carrabbas from 12-2:00 (takeout until 3:00); see Margie or Ed Stinson for tickets.