Varsity girls’ soccer kicks off 2022 season
Varsity Lady Dutch captains for 2022 season: L to R: Hayley Ray, Grace Helmke, Marlena Ballnik, Madison Chizek. Photo by Lisa Somerville
Submitted by Scott Somerville
The Manchester Lady Dutch Varsity Soccer Team kicked off the 2022 season with their first match on March 25 vs. the Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central Kestrels. On a cold spring evening, the visiting Kestrels looked to avenge last year’s divisional semi-final playoff loss to the Lady Dutch.
During the first half of play, the Kestrels played aggressive and physical. Outstanding defensive effort by Manchester seniors Madison Chizek and Haley Ray and sophomores Lydia Bennett and Gianna Turek plus aggressive goalkeeping by sophomore Megan Edwards kept the Kestrels off the scoreboard. The Lady Dutch offense often attacked the left side of the pitch with sophomore winger Emma Woods, but the Kestrels’ speedy defense also kept Manchester off the scoreboard in the first.
In the second half, the Lady Dutch netted the first goal of the match at the 43-minute mark when junior Mary Sangster collected a loose ball on the left side of the pitch and sent a pass to the middle. Sophomore Meghan (MJ) Somerville collected the pass, took a rearward cut with the ball to avoid the approaching Kestrel goal keeper and inside backs, turned and finished a 15-yarder for the goal.
The Kestrels then increased their intensity to find the equalizer, but strong Manchester mid-field play by juniors Marlena Ballnik and Grace Helmke regularly stifled their attack. At the final whistle, the Lady Dutch prevailed 1-0 for the first win of the season combined with a shutout for goalkeeper Edwards, who registered four quality saves for the match.
“It’s very good for us to have this first game a win against a quality opponent,” stated head coach Dan Tar. “We were missing a few key players due to spring break and some new, freshman players really stepped up in this game. Lila Harvey helped on defense, especially in the second half, and Savannah Roe gave us some good speed on offense. [Sophomore] Miranda Austin’s experience on offense benefited us and [freshman] Ashley Bobo and [junior] Melanie Fierro saw some time on the field as well. Overall, it was a great team effort.”
This season the Lady Dutch will again be playing in the Independent Soccer League (ISL) with the goal to defend last year’s ISL championship title. New opponents, including division one schools, have been added to this year’s schedule. “Last year’s team went undefeated in the regular season but didn’t meet our playoff expectations,” said assistant coach Scott Somerville. “Playing against challenging opponents like Chelsea, Jackson and Lansing Christian will help us prepare for a deeper playoff run.”
This season’s game schedule:
April 9, 1 pm vs. Chelsea HS @ Home
April 12, 5:30 pm vs Jackson HS @ Away (2400 4th St, Jackson 49203)
April 14, 6:30 pm vs Lenawee Christian @ Away (111 Wolf Creek Hwy, Adrian 49921)
April 18, 5:30 pm vs Grass Lake HS @ Away (11500 Warrior Trail, Grass Lake 49240)
April 23, 1 pm vs Temperance Bedford HS @ Away (8486 Douglas Rd, Temperance 48482)
April 25, 5:30 pm vs Michigan Center HS @ Home
April 27, 5:30 pm vs Quincy HS @ Away (18 Colfax St, Quincy)
April 30, TBD Clinton Tournament @ Away (Clinton Middle School Field)
May 2, 5:30 pm vs Lansing Christian @ Away (3405 Belle Chase Way, Lansing 48911)
May 4, 5:30 pm vs Springport HS @ Away (300 W Main St, Springport 49284)
May 9, 5:30 pm vs Hanover-Horton HS @ Home
May 11, 5:30 pm vs Jackson Christian @ Away (4200 Lowe Rd, Jackson 49203)
May 13, 7:00 pm vs Tecumseh HS @ Home
May 16, 5:30 pm vs Jonesville HS @ Home
May 17, 5:30 pm vs Leslie HS @ Home
May 20, 5:30 pm vs Dundee HS @ Away (130 Viking Dr, Dundee)
#10 Marlena Ballnik attempts a header against Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central while #7 Meghan Somerville and #8 Melanie Fierro stand ready. Photo by Lisa Somerville
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