Valley Sports ReportTIOGA CENTER — Waverly started fast, behind a combined five goals from Cohen Kraft and Lucian Krause, and led 6-0 at the half on its way to a 7-2 non-league win over Tioga here Monday afternoon at Haggerty Field.
"Playing games on non-school days always adds some extra stress to game day," said Waverly coach and Tioga grad Jon Rankin. "Today, we played very well and were able to execute our game plan more effectively.
"Once we got into our rhythm, we were able to take more chances in net and did a great job setting each other up for success.
"The combination of Lucian (Krause), Cohen (Kraft), Aiden (Malorzo), Hayden (Roskow) and Ian (Johnston) up top moved the ball very well and allowed us to maintain pressure," added Rankin.
Kraft netted a hat trick in the first half, and Krause scored two goals, while James Cole, the starting goal keeper, moved into the field and added a goal.
Collin Wilson scored twice in the second half for Tioga, and Trent VanDyke netted Waverly's lone goal of the game.
Rankin also acknowledged the play of a trio of freshman in the win.
"Seamus Keeley stood out big-time today as our central-midfielder," he said. "He was everywhere, looking to do quick combinations of passing with Lucian and Ian, switching the fields, or serving a ball.
"He does very well winning physical battles for his teammates.
"And, I am especially proud of my newer guys on the team. They stepped onto the field and played very competitively and applied everything we have been working on," added Rankin. "The combination of Hayden Terwilliger and Kevin Kinney lead to several opportunities to score but were just one touch shy."
Waverly had a 15-7 edge in shots-on-goal.
Cole had two saves for the Wolverines in net, and Jaxon Chandler recorded three, while Tioga's David Van Dusen had eight.
Waverly, now 3-10, wraps up regular-season play at home Wednesday against O-M at 7 p.m., while Tioga falls to 2-9 on the season.
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PHOTOS BY AMANDA BAILEY.
