Slow start costs LHS girls soccer in opener

Lawrence High girls soccer coach Matt McCune knew his team had a daunting task Tuesday.

Just one day after its first full team practice following spring break, LHS was thrown on the field for the season opener against Blue Valley, a team with three games under its belt. The difference was evident early, as the Tigers poured in four quick goals in a 6-0 victory over the Lions at LHS.

“We didn’t practice last week because of spring break, so it makes it hard,” McCune said. “I knew it was going to be difficult going in. We got more comfortable as the game went on even though the score didn’t say that.”

Blue Valley had several good looks from the start, but missed five shot attempts before getting on the board with 33:57 to go in the first half. Junior Madalynn Gill netted the game’s first goal on a rebound, which she sneaked by junior LHS goalkeeper Victoria Mosakowski.

The Tigers recorded three more goals over the next 10 minutes, two of which were recorded by freshman Abby Garretson.

But the Lions were able to respond on the defensive end, holding the opposition to just two goals over the final 60-plus minutes. Senior Carson Drake along with sophomores Leslie Ostronic and Evann Seratte made several key defensive plays.

“Once we hit the 20 minute mark, the girls settled down and played with more poise,” McCune said. “I think it was just jitters.”

LHS also improved on the offensive end in the second half. After one shot attempt in the first half, the team had nine shots on goal in the second half.

Junior Maria Duncan had a pair of great looks midway through the second half that were ultimately saved by Tigers’ senior Lexi Palcio. Seniors Skylar Drum and Olivia Lemus, who started for the basketball team, had a difficult time finding much space around the net.

“Olivia hasn’t played soccer in awhile, when she figures it out, it’s going to be fun for us at top,” McCune said.

Lawrence (0-1) will travel to Topeka Seaman at 6 p.m. Friday.