The Manchester Lady Squires soccer team hosted Bishop Luers Thursday night and battled from start to finish, holding on for a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
Manchester got off to a slow start, and Bishop Luers took advantage, finding the back of the net early to grab a 1-0 lead. The Squires settled in and began to find their rhythm, and later in the first half, Aeryn Klose broke through the Luers defense and finished a solo goal to even the score at 1-1.
Manchester kept the pressure on, and Raimi Vawter found the back of the net off a great assist from Rachel Eberly to give the Squires a 2-1 advantage heading into halftime.
The second half was all about battling and protecting the lead. Manchester’s defensive unit of Ely Mobley, Brooklynn Grimes, Kerrington Hearn, McKayla Dillon, and Jocelyn Young stepped up time and time again, shutting down Luers attacks and refusing to give up the equalizer. McKayla Dillon came up with the play of the game when she stepped in to protect the goal and blocked a dangerous Luers shot.
Behind the defense, Shiann Owens had an outstanding night in net, recording 10 saves and coming up big when the Squires needed her most.
Allie Egolf, Rachel Eberly, Ava Sautter, Hayden Krom, Mackenna Bolinger, Brynna Harshman, and Delaney Harshman worked hard throughout the midfield, making runs, battling for possession, and helping Manchester control the ball. Up top, Aeryn Klose, Raimi Vawter, and Ava Sautter continued to apply pressure and create scoring opportunities.
It was a total team effort and a well-earned victory for the Lady Squires. After falling behind early, the girls responded, battled their way back into the game, and showed tremendous grit and determination to protect the lead until the final whistle and secure the 2-1 win.
