Nicolette Bennett, the head coach for the U7 Recreation league Hawks soccer team, said it was one of her goals to get every player to touch the ball in each of the team’s games. If Saturday afternoon’s game at Youth Sports Inc. was any indication, Bennett can mark that goal off her to-do list.

The Hawks got the chance to handle the ball in their second-to-final game against the U7 Red team. Goalies don’t stand guard at either of the team’s goals and the games are treated more as learning experiences then competitions. Even though the game and the teams’ records aren’t seriously kept track of, the Hawks took home the victory of Saturday’s game, 6-3.

“This game was wonderful,” Bennett said. “Our goal this season was to have every player improve. I think everyone has improved, it all usually comes together in the last games.”

Bennett was right out on the field with her players guiding them towards improvement. The Hawks showed that they had been taking Bennett’s input to heart when Laura Neff kicked in the first goal for the team. After taking turns passing the ball, Jarod Bennett scored the second goal for the Hawks.

The Red team held their own against Bennett and Neff’s goals by challenging the Hawks to chase them in circles across the field.

The Red team didn’t score a goal in the first half, but used all their energy to focus on the second half. In the second the team clamped down on the defensive end and reved up its offense to score three goals to tie them at three-all.

A U7 Hawk forward advances the ball toward her goal Saturday at Youth Sports Inc. as the Red team gets back on defense.

The Red team’s power ran out as the Hawks found holes in the Red defense scoring three unanswered goals to get the victory.

Jarod Bennett said his favorite thing about the game was the chance to help his teammates play successfully.

“I liked passing the ball because it makes me feel good when someone else on my team scores,” Bennett said.

With Jarod Bennett’s assistance the Hawks got one more insurance goal in its 6-3 victory.

The team left the field excited for their seasonal finale game on Saturday.

“I’m really looking forward to having fun in our last game!” Bennett said.