IAC GIRLS SOCCER: ORTIZ LIFTS WAVERLY TO 1-0 WIN OVER NOTRE DAME (24 PHOTOS) (2019-09-17)
Valley Sports ReportWAVERLY - Senior Melina Ortiz rifled a shot under the crossbar midway through the first half, and the Waverly defense made it stand for the remaining 59 minutes in a 1-0 win over Notre Dame here Tuesday night in IAC South Large School Division girls soccer action at Memorial Stadium.
Ortiz's goal, which was assisted by Allison Campbell, was one of many good scoring opportunities for the Lady Wolverines in the first half.
Waverly coach Tara Hogan said the final score was closer than the game itself.
"In my opinion, the score was not indicative of how the game went.
"The girls did incredibly well with possessing the ball and using their supporting options," said Hogan. "We switched the field on multiple occasions and calmly moved the ball up as a unit. We had possession the majority of the game, but fell short when trying to play the ball past ND's defense.
"We kept trying the same tactic - on both sides of the field - and weren't able to catch their defense off guard," she noted. "A lot of the time, we had the right idea as to where to play it, but just couldn't connect the pass to feet.
"I am happy with the level of play we brought to this game, but again, our shot-to-goal ratio isn't where it should be," added Hogan.
Waverly outshot Notre Dame 18-8, and limited the Lady Crusaders to just three shots in the second half.
"Tessa Petlock had a great game back on defense alongside Cora Smith and Bella Romano," said Hogan. "And, Kait Clark made some great saves and had a true test again tonight."
Waverly also had a 4-1 edge in corner kicks.
Kaitlyn Clark recorded six saves in net for the Lady Wolverines.
Waverly, now 5-1, hosts Tioga Friday.
"”"”"”"”"”"”
IN PHOTO 1: Waverly's Melina Ortiz. ... PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.
