IAC GIRLS SOCCER: WAVERLY EDGES NEWARK VALLEY, 1-0, IN BATTLE OF STATE-RANKED TEAMS (24 PHOTOS) (2022-09-22)

Valley Sports Report
WAVERLY — Sophomore Addison Westbrook scored late in the game to lift Waverly to a 1-0 win over Newark Valley in a battle of state-ranked teams here Thursday night in IAC South Large School Division girls soccer action at Memorial Stadium.

Waverly, ranked 16th in New York State’s Class C rankings, improves to 7-0 on the season, while Newark Valley, ranked 25th in Class C, falls to 6-1-1.

Waverly coach Tara Hogan said her team didn’t play it’s best, but the defense covered for many of its mistakes.

“This wasn't our strongest played game,” said Hogan. “We made a lot of mistakes, and never quite found our rhythm.  

“Usually in the second half, we pull things together and make adjustments that work; that wasn't the story tonight.

“Newark Valley outplayed us the second half, but thanks to our defenders —Paige Robinson, Olivia Robinson, and Claire Clonch — and stopper Makenzie Olmstead, they were never really able to put something together,” Hogan noted.

“We had a few more opportunities to move forward in the second half, but Newark Valley’s defenders kept a close tab on our forwards,” she added. “Thankfully, we were able to pull out the win.”

After more than 85 minutes of scoreless soccer 8th-grader Lauren Gorsline found Addy Westbrook near the top-of-the-18, and Westbrook’s shot sailed over the keeper’s head to put the Wolverines in the lead.

“Addy (Westbrook) had a beautiful shot sail, and Lauren (Gorsline) had some amazing passes to her fellow forwards.  She sees the field and her options very well,” added Hogan.

Waverly had a 9-7 edge in shots-on-goal, and a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Sophomore Lea Cole recorded six saves in net for the Lady Wolverines.

Waverly travels to O-M Tuesday.

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IN PHOTO 1: Waverly’s Addison Westbrook. … PHOTOS BY DAVID ALLIGER — TRAVELING PORTRAITS.