Great game, ok result.

It was a gorgeous day on The Hilltop, when KUA took on perennial powerhouse NMH. With some notable players out of the lineup for KUA, there was a real next player up mentality that was going to be implemented in this game. The 'Cats came out strong with Cam Callahan scoring her first goal off a cross form Ariana Ftorek just 46 seconds into the game. This was just the start that KUA needed to get some momentum. The two teams continued to trade rushes but KUA commanded the majority off the play in he 1st quarter. With time winding down, NMH started to get chances and finally broke through to tie the game.  In the second quarter, KUA started strong, but slowly ran out of gas, the defense was bending but not breaking. Caroline Daft and Bright Clark were platooning on the outside D positions, creating lots of turnovers and Hillary Mackall was helping Stella protect the middle. The 2nd quarter went back and forth, with neither team scoring a goal but NMH took a lot of shots. At halftime, there was a lot of positive talk and eagerness to get out on the field and build upon the success that stye had. There was no quit from the team but they knew it was not going to be easy. As the 2nd half began, it was clear that the "cats were starting to run out of gas. As NMH continued to pepper the goal with shots, Stella stood tall and thwarted everything shot at her. With some tired bodies on the field, NMH scored 2 goals in the last 5 minutes to extend their lead. In the 4th quarter, there were some real great performances put forth in the losing effort, Mallory Clark was controlling the ball, and play, working hard to distribute when she could. Ella Erickson did great in a defensive role, not allowing any easy passes. Portia Berard was great as a two way midfield, defending and distributing, and McKenna Dockery did good work in the high mid position. Lena Connors and Eva Rossmassler worked hard and helped create space with speed to release pressure on the defense, and Lulu Leppard had some really nice drives to her get the ball to the offensive players and create scoring chances. In the end, NMH was too much for the Wildcats to handle on this day. Though the score ended up 5-1, there is no doubt that it could have been much higher if it was not for the outstanding play of Stella Kozak. Making 24 saves on the day, she was far and a way the best player on the field, for both teams. Time to get some rest, fine tune some things and get back on the winning track.

The Wildcats next game is this Saturday at Dexter- Southfield. It is a 4:30pm start, hope to see some parents there.