The County Press

North Branch tops Imlay City in BWAC tourney



Gia Hart of Imlay City clears the ball during a game against Armada on May 1. Photo by Austin VanDaele

Gia Hart of Imlay City clears the ball during a game against Armada on May 1. Photo by Austin VanDaele

IMLAY CITY — The North Branch girls’ soccer team won 2-1 over Imlay City after a penalty kick shootout during the final round of the Blue Water Area Conference tournament on Wednesday.

The Broncos initially tied with Imlay City, 1-1, before winning in a shootout, 4-3. Jacque Ankley scored the only North Branch goal in regulation with only 15 seconds remaining in the first half on a setup from Sam Bartlett. Imlay City responded in the second half with a goal from Kaylee Kaminski on an assist from Kayla Louwsma to even the score at the end of regulation.

Alexis Ostrum made 12 saves for North Branch, one of which came on a regulation penalty kick. Gia Hart finished the game with eight saves in net for the Lady Spartans.

“The game was very entertaining with end to end action,” said North Branch coach John Burke. “It was really a well-played, physical game by both teams. The goalkeepers both played fantastic; it was really a shame that it had to be settled by penalty kicks.”

The Broncos were at Bad Axe on Saturday after County Press deadlines. Imlay City visits Lapeer tomorrow for its final game of the regular season. — B.P./A.V.

ALMONT

The Lady Raiders were handed a 2-1 loss against Armada in the second round of the Blue Water Area Conference tournament on Wednesday. Hannah Schuchard had the lone goal for Almont. The Raiders, 7-6-2, host Algonac on Monday in the third round of the BWAC tournament. — K.R.

CAPAC

The Lady Chiefs shutout Sandusky 8-0 on Wednesday night.

Capac hosted Memphis on Friday after press deadlines and will be at Dryden tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. — J.O.

DRYDEN

The Cardinals’ Thursday game at Durand was canceled. Dryden was at Memphis on Wednesday and took a 4-1 loss. No details were available. — B.P.

LAKEVILLE

The Lady Falcons defeated Saginaw Arts & Sciences 9-1 in the last regular season game.

Ana Defeyter and Madison Costello had a pair of goals each. Stephanie Lindeman, Elizabeth Lehman, Savannah Kusky, Kathryn Harcek and Ava Mroz added a goal apiece.”

“We continued to build momentum from Tuesday’s win and executed our systems the way we needed to find success,” said LakeVille coach Adam Lucas. “Our first half had a few moments of sloppiness, but we really tightened up in a the second and found our composure. Our ball movement in the attacking half was exceptional and allowed us to create numerous high-quality scoring chances.”

Costello’s four goals helped to power LakeVille to a 9-1 win over Mt. Morris on Tuesday. Ava Mroz chipped in a pair of goals and Lehman, Adrianna Defeyter and Harcek had a goal each.

“Overall, the team performance and structure was exceptional and I am proud of how we executed our game plan,” said LakeVille coach Adam Lucas. “Although we were very proficient offensively, much of our success stemmed from our defensive back four keeping the ball out of our defensive half and keeping pressure on the Mt. Morris side of the field. Shaely Scott, Savanna Kusky, Baily Klauka, Julie Henson and Kyah Simmonds played exceptionally in their defensive roles.” — K.R.

LAPEER

The Lady Lightning took down Mt. Pleasant 1-0 in the Saginaw Valley League crossover on Wednesday. The lone goal on the game was scored by Emma Garcia on a deflection from a free kick by Nicole Watson.

“This was our third shut out in a row. We have been playing good defense and getting goal keeping lately, but have had trouble finding the back of the net,” said Lapeer coach Bob Jannuzzi. “We have quality strikers on the team in my opinion, but our shots go to the keeper or are off the frame.”

Lapeer, 7-9-2, is at Bay City Central on Monday. — K.R.