Crawfordsville goalkeeper Sierra Hutchison saw her four-year playing career come to a close in the Athenian's loss to Tri-West.
Crawfordsville's Faith Rogers possesses the ball in the Athenian's season-ending loss to Tri-West on Thursday.
Crawfordsville’s girls soccer team saw their season end at home with a 13-0 loss to Sagamore Conference foe Tri-West Thursday in the semifinals of the 2A Sectional 25 tournament.
The Bruins, who also defeated the Athenians by double-figures earlier in the season, finish at 1-15-1 while Tri-West moves to 15-1-1 and advances to the championship game of the tourney on Saturday.
“Tri-West is a great team,” CHS coach Laurie Vellner said. “We knew it was going to be a huge uphill battle for us. They played a great game and we wish them luck Saturday.”
The Bruins wasted no time taking the lead, scoring less than 90 seconds into the match. They added a goal every few minutes and had an 8-0 advantage at halftime.
“They (Tri-West) do a great job of passing the ball,” Vellner said, “and then moving off the ball. We got caught watching a few times.”
Leading the way for the Bruins was Hope Donald. The team’s sophomore leading scorer tallied eight goals — five in the first half, to now stand at 44 on the season. She had an assist on another score. They peppered Athenians senior goal keeper Sierra Hutchison with 34 shots on goal.
The Athenians had only one shot on goal, coming from freshman Lorelei Schmitzer-Torbert.
She will be one of the nucleus of players coming back next season, but Vellner took a moment to honor her five seniors, Hutchison, Kiara Martinez, Faith Rogers, Jaden Azar and Peyton Sinnet.
“They have been with me since they were in middle school,” the coach said, stopping a moment of emotion. “They have been the core of our team. Every player looks up to them and they bring amazing energy every day. They were our rocks out there. They leave huge holes to fill, and losing them is a big blow, but that’s where the opportunities lie for the returning players. There are starting spots to win and varsity positions to win if they work hard every day and step up in those roles.”
“Our seniors’ personalities were amazing,” Vellner continued. “To come out for four years, compete every day, work as hard as they did, speaks to more than their soccer abilities. It speaks to their character as young adults. They have great life priorities and I know they will be leaders and successful.”
The coach challenged those players who will fill those roles next year.
“There is a wonderful future in Crawfordsville soccer,” she said. “Come give it your all - do your offseason work. Put your feet on a soccer ball every day. Be a part of our program.”
The Bruins will take on Greencastle, who defeated North Montgomery in the other semifinal match. The championship is scheduled for a 7 pm Saturday start at the Athenians complex.
