August 24, 2002
v. Cincinnati Country Day, #1

To no one's surprise, CCD comes into the season as the #1 ranked team in Division II in Cincinnati.  They showed our Lady Warriors the reason why.  

Less than 10 minutes into the game, CCD forced the Mariemont defense into giving up a corner kick.  Junior striker Keiana Mitchell placed the ball off her head past a stunned Whitney Raeon to take a 1-0 lead.  Scoring chances by Senior strikers Brittany Rahn and Liz Kauffman couldn't find the back of the net for our Lady Warriors.   Before the half  would end, CCD  would connect on another corner, served up by Junior midfielder Brittany Woods to take a 2-0 lead into the break. 

The second half picked up right where it left off.  Both teams battled up and down the field, with CCD controlling the tempo.  Senior midfielder Lisa Hammersmith stepped up and sparked several offensive surges, but again, nothing found net.  CCD would ice the score on a misplayed ball in the midfield, which Senior midfielder Missy Vierling, quite possibly the best player in Division II soccer, capitalized on and connected with Woods on a breakaway to the far post.  With the score 3-0, our Lady Warriors kept up the fight, but CCD wouldn't give.  

Mariemont had some very bright spots in the match, highlighted by spectacular performances by Sophomore midfielders Ali Barnes and Kendall Miller.  Seniors Kim Donovan and Sarah Heller, along with Junior sweeper Erin Faulk and sophomore Kathryn Kranitzky anchored a defense that only gave up 9 shots on frame, with keepers Raeon (7 saves) and Casey Clukey (2 saves) cleaning up the trash.  Defensively, we contained one of the most potent scoring trios in the state.  A great preparation for our girls to enter league play this Wednesday versus Finneytown. 

August 28, 2002
v. Finneytown, CHL rival

 Our Lady Warriors had an agenda tonight - take a lot of shots, allow none within 25 yards, and come away with a victory.  They took care of all three.

With the Wildcats from Finneytown coming in to play on the new turf for the Mariemont home opener, they had no idea just how tough it would be.  For the first 15 minutes of the game, they rarely saw the Warrior side of the field.  Senior defender Sarah Heller soon gained possession, carried the ball upfield, and found senior captain/striker Liz Kauffman in stride.  Kauffman blew past a Wildcat defender for a few strides before ripping the shot from 18 yards out to the far post past a diving Finneytown keeper.  About 15 minutes later, sophomore midfielder Kendall Miller blazed down the side and placed a perfect cross on frame, finding senior captain/midfielder Lisa Hammersmith hitting the first time shot from 16 yards out, Miller's first assist as a varsity player.  The Warriors took the 2-0 lead into the half-time break, outshooting Finneytown 16-0.

The second half continued with a dominant performance by Mariemont.  About 7 minutes into the period, sophomore stopper Kathryn Kranitzky notched her first varsity goal, taking a ball laid back from senior Brittany Rahn and fired the shot from about 35 yards out, over the outstretched Wildcat keeper.  With about 10 minutes remaining, sophomore midfielder Ali Barnes, playing perhaps the finest game of her still young varsity career, took on the Finneytown defense, blowing by them to the near post.  Barnes slotted a picture perfect ball to the middle, where junior striker Emily Lapointe slid in and finished with authority, only to have it called back on a questionable offsides call by the official.  Barnes took the free kick out of the air, and went straight at the near post once again, this time with a vengeance.  Slotting an identical ball on frame, she connected with Rahn to give the Lady Warriors a comfortable 4-0 lead, which they would hold to the final whistle.  

Not having to make a single save, senior keepers Whitney Raeon and Casey Clukey shared the shutout  In front of them, the rest of the Lady Warriors proceeded to outshoot the Wildcats 41-0.  With the experience of seniors Kim Donovan and Heller protecting the backfield, along with junior sweeper Erin Faulk, our Lady Warriors showed how impenetrable their defense can be.  We resume play against arch rival Madeira next Wednesday to continue the quest for the CHL championship. 

September 4, 2002
Madeira, CHL rival

We have never failed to have an exciting game in what has become one of the greatest rivalries in Cincinnati.  Two of the top teams in the city, going head to head, both after the CHL crown.  Tonight, our Lady Warriors would accept nothing but a win, no matter what.

From the opening whistle, both teams fought hard for the ball, most of the battles coming through the midfield.  The Amazons from Madeira kept the Mariemont defense off balance, creating a few scoring chances, but the tenacious Warrior defense would allow nothing inside their penalty area.  Senior keeper Whitney Raeon (4 saves) cleaned up every shot, and anchored a defense which only allowed 5 shots in the half.  With about 8 minutes remaining in the first half, senior midfielder Meggie Safford collected the ball, shielded off a couple of opponents, and found senior captain/striker Liz Kauffman with some space.  Kauffman, a.k.a. "Sporty" saw the Amazon keeper off her line, and immediately fired a shot from 40 yards out.  The outstretched keeper had no chance, and Mariemont took a 1-0 lead into the half-time break.  

The second half turned out to be as exciting as the first.  With about 10 minutes remaining in the game, our Lady Warriors were caught back on their heels, allowing Madeira to bring the ball down their throats.  With solid performances by sophomore defenders Kathryn Kranitzky and Ashley McCracken, senior Kim Donovan, rookie Lauren Jones, and junior sweeper Erin Faulk, the Amazons could not finish the few chances they had.  Senior keeper Casey Clukey made 3 saves in the half to hold onto the lead and notch the Warriors 2nd shutout of the season.  

Our challenge steps up another level this coming Saturday as we take on the Rockets from McNick, one of the strongest teams we will face this season.    

September 7, 2002
v. McNicholas, #12 ranking Div. I  

One of the strongest teams we will face this season?  I guess so!

In what started out to be one of the finest first half performances by our Lady Warriors, the lights were out by the end of the half.  Mariemont took the early lead 18 minutes into the game, with senior captain Lisa Hammersmith finding fellow senior captain Liz Kauffman with a through ball down the left side.  The Lady Rocket keeper had no choice but to come out and challenge Kauffman, only to have the ball slipped past her from 16 yards out to the far post.  The Rockets countered minutes later to even the score.  From that point on, the tide changed quicker than a Florida hurricane.  With senior keeper Whitney Raeon making three saves on the countless point-blank range shots, the Rockets would connect twice more to take a 3-1 lead into the half-time break.  

Continuing their dominance was part of the Lady Rocket plan, for in the second half, they tallied three more goals, giving them the most any opponent has scored on the Lady Warriors in six years.  With about 3 minutes remaining, Mariemont found redemption, when senior striker Brittney Rahn forced an obstruction call about 8 yards out from the goal.  Hammersmith, as a leader should, took the touch from senior midfielder Meggie Safford and buried it in the far side netting.  Final score:  6-2.

This may be the kick in the shorts our girls needed.  The challenge for them will be responding to this loss with a passion, and an unwillingness to go down to rival Wyoming on Wednesday, our next step in our CHL championship quest.  

September 11, 2002
v. Wyoming, #5

As always, we expect to win.  So does Wyoming.  As always, we know the battle is going to be tough when these two teams meet.  So does Wyoming.  Two of the top teams in Cincinnati battled their way through 80 minutes of brutal pounding until the final whistle.  Unfortunately, only one team walked pleased with the result.

For the first 20 minutes of this clash of titans, Wyoming controlled the tempo, making use of their speed in striker Desiree Morris to keep Mariemont on their heels.  Tenacious defense by the Lady Warriors, keyed by sophomore defender Ali Barnes, who was given the daunting task of stopping Morris, played with a fury that kept the ball out of the net.  Senior keeper Whitney Raeon notched 4 saves on the night, but was never really challenged by the attack of the Lady Cowboys.  The latter part of the first half saw the momentum shift to Mariemont's favor, but it wasn't enough to give the Lady Warrior a lead at the half.  Score:  0-0.

The second half saw a rejuvenated, and pumped Mariemont squad take the field on a mission.  From the moment the whistle blew, Mariemont controlled, and at times dominated the game.  However, with 19 minutes remaining, the Lady Cowboys found the break they'd been looking for.  The Wyoming striker had the inch she needed to rip a shot into the side from about 16 yards out.  Down a goal, Mariemont didn't break stride, and continued to control the pace of the game.  With senior striker Brittany Rahn and freshman newcomer Kiersten Duffey nearly finding the goal they needed, the Lady Warriors kept up the attack, but Wyoming wouldn't give.  With 2 minutes remaining,  Wyoming midfielder Alyson Ahearn launched a shot from 30 yards out, over the outstretched Casey Clukey (3 saves), and into the back of the net to take the 2-0 edge to the final whistle.  

The CHL championship is up for grabs.  With Indian Hill going down to Taylor, it's anyones guess as to who will walk away with the crown.  Our destiny is in our own hands.  Up next, Mt. Notre Dame this Saturday.  

September 14, 2002
v. Mt. Notre Dame, Div. I

The Lady Warriors came into this game down, after dropping their last two matches.  They also knew very well that no Mariemont team had ever beaten MND.  Both changed tonight!

At the opening whistle, Mt. Notre Dame took charge of the game.  After about 10 minutes, however, our Lady Warriors stepped up the pace and took control.  Both teams kept up the intensity throughout the half.  The closest the Warriors came to burying a shot came on a Brittany Rahn breakaway that was ripped just wide from about 20 yards out.  The biggest threat for MND came with about 6 minutes remaining in the half, when the Mariemont defense showed what tenacity is all about.  Senior keeper Whitney Raeon came up big in the series, making two gut-wrenching saves before the ball was cleared out of the box.  Raeon finished the half with 6 saves, and along with defenders Kim Donovan, Ashley McCracken, and junior sweeper Erin Faulk, anchored a 0-0 score into the break.

The second half began with all the intensity of the first, with Mariemont settling in for a fight.  Things broke open about 10 minutes into the period, when sophomore stopper Kathryn Kranitzky won control of the ball.  From about 25 yards out, KK looked up and saw senior captain Liz Kauffman coming across wanting the ball at her feet.  Seconds later, Kauffman hit a blistering near-post shot past the MND keeper from inside 12 yards to give our Lady Warriors a 1-0 lead.  The remainder of the game saw only a couple of scoring opportunities for Mariemont, so they relied on their defense to hold onto the game.  With senior keeper Casey Clukey coming up big with 7 saves in the half, and despite 13 shots at goal, the powerful punch of MND's offense could not find the back of the net.  When time expired, the Lady Warriors were victorious over Mt. Notre Dame for the first time since the inception of this match-up.  

As tremendous was the play of the Mariemont starting 11, special mention should also be given to the reserves, the key to any solid team.  Our season gets even more exciting as we take on the Spartans from Roger Bacon, who will certainly be out to avenge the loss from 2001, when they were the #1 ranked team in Cincinnati.  

September 16, 2002
v. Roger Bacon, #4 city ranking

Last season, they were the #1 team in Cincinnati.  Now they are #4, but still must be considered one of the teams to beat in the city.  The game did not exactly go as the Lady Warriors had planned.  

From the opening whistle, neither team showed themselves as a top contender in the city.  The Lady Spartans took control of the game with about 25 minutes remaining, keeping the Mariemont defense on their heels.  With about 19 minutes remaining in the first half, the deadlock was broken.  Roger Bacon got off a cross from about 6 yards out on the left side.  A flick by Spartan striker Laura Monterrosso was all it took to send the ball up and over senior keeper Whitney Raeon (5 saves) and into the far side netting.  With under 10 minutes in the half, Monterrosso struck again, finishing hard, and giving the Spartans a 2-0 lead into half-time.  

After an "energizing" speech at the break, the Lady Warriors came out and immediately took control of the game.  Throughout the half, Mariemont continued the dominance, ripping 11 shots, 9 of which were on frame, and holding Roger Bacon to only 2.  Great scoring chances came seemingly at will for Mariemont, including near misses by sophomore midfielder Ali Barnes on a textbook header, a first-touch attempt to finish a cross by senior midfielder Maggie Lyon, and several set play opportunities.  Although this was perhaps the finest half of play Mariemont has put together this season, it wasn't enough to overtake the Lady Spartans.  Final score:  2-0.  

We will resume our CHL quest Wednesday night as we take on the Wildcats from Deer Park.  

September 18, 2002
v. Deer Park

The Lady Warriors were ready to go out and outwork the Wildcats from Deer Park up and down the field.  After being shut out by Roger Bacon, scoring was the first thing on Mariemont's agenda.

Three minutes into the game, senior striker Brittney Rahn began an onslaught that wouldn't let up until the final whistle.  Fellow striker Liz Kauffman collected the ball and placed a beautiful ball through to Rahn for the breakaway, which was finished with authority.  Senior captain Lisa Hammersmith followed 2 minutes later with a rocket of her own, with Rahn getting the assist.  Another minute later, the Hammer struck again on a ball placed beautifully to her feet from sophomore midfielder Kendall Miller.  Shortly thereafter, sophomore stopper Kathryn Kranitzky took a ball laid back from senior midfielder Meggie Safford and popped one in from about 30 yards out, making the score 4-0 less than 10 minutes into the game.  Some lethargic play over the next 28 minutes filled the time, but then with 2 minutes left in the half, Hammersmith completed her first career hat trick on a 2nd assist from Rahn.  Score at the half:  5-0.

Not pleased with the style the Lady Warriors played in the first period, Coach demanded returning to a possession game.  In doing this, we saw a much prettier game of soccer, and the scoring chances almost doubled.  About 8 minutes in, Rahn ripped what may be the shot of the year - a missile from about 20 yards out to the near post, served up from Miller for her 2nd assist on the night.  Kauffman joined the scoring frenzy about 10 minutes later, firing a service from sophomore defender Ashley McCracken to the near post from about 15 yards out.  Less than a minute later, Rahn completed her first career hat trick on an unassisted goal.  At the 15 minute mark, and again with 3 mintues remaining, Kauffman capped off her first hat trick of the season, the second coming off an assist by freshman midfielder Kiersten Duffey, her first career point.  When all was done, Mariemont walked away with a 10-0 victory.

Whew!  These games are not always the most fun to play, but they do make a team look at their true potential.  Many of the goals scored tonight would be goals against anyone, with magnificent shots from all directions and ranges.  The Lady Warriors will avenge a 2001 loss against New Richmond at Kusel Stadium next Monday.

September 23, 2002
v. New Richmond, #7 city ranking

It was a perfect night for soccer.  The weather was cool, the energy was high, and we were playing the #7 team in the city on the finest field around.  We saw the return of two senior defenders, Lizzy Anthony and Sarah Heller, who have been out with injury.  The only thing left to make it a perfect night would be a stylish win.  

Our Lady Warriors took little time to establish the pace of the game, immediately taking control offensively.  Three and a half minutes into the game, the scoring began.  Freshman midfielder Kiersten Duffey, in her first start of a promising varsity career blazed down the left side of the field, taking the shot from 15 yards out.  Sophomore midfielder Ashley McCracken, put up front to spark the Mariemont offense, pounced on the rebound and fired it to the far post from 10 yards out, notching her first goal of the season.  Minutes later, it was Duffey again on the attack.  Senior striker Liz Kauffman found Duffey making a veteran run into space on the far side.  Ripping the shot from 15 yards out, Duffey's chance deflected off a Lady Lion defender, where senior striker Brittany Rahn followed with her own chance at a score.  Rahn's shot flicked off the New Richmond defender, and Duffey crashed through with a header to the far side netting, recording her first career goal.  Although our Lady Warriors would remain in control, the scoring ceased until 3 minutes to play in the half.  Kauffman found her favorite target, Rahn ready for the ball at the top of the D.  Rahn collected the service, turned, and fired a left-footed missile from 20 yards out past a diving Lion keeper.  Mariemont would take the 3-0 lead into the half-time break.  

The second half would remain under the control of the Warriors.  Midway through the period, Kauffman recorded her 3rd assist on the night, finding Rahn once again for the finish.  Anchored by a defense led by junior sweeper Erin Faulk, senior marking back Kim Donovan, and sophomore stopper Kathryn Kranitzky, Mariemont held tough to the end.  Senior keepers Whitney Raeon (2 saves) and Casey Clukey (2 saves) combined for the fifth shutout for the Lady Warriors this season.  

The charge for the CHL championship continues Wednesday night against the Blue Devils from Reading, Mariemont's final home game, and a night in which the seniors will be recognized for their astounding careers.  

September 25, 2002
v. Reading, CHL rival

Senior night.  A night where the lineup was packed with upperclassmen (10 seniors, 1 junior).  They had a mission to prove themselves as a top contender in Cincinnati, and to make their final homestand a memorable one.  Both were achieved tonight.

The tenacity of the Blue Devil defense, and perhaps the worst officiating in years, kept the Warriors in check for the better part of the opening half.  Although Mariemont remained in control, scoring chances from seniors Liz Kauffman and Brittany Rahn, and sophomores Ali Barnes and Katie Bosse couldn't find the back of the net.  Finally, with 6 minutes remaining in the half, senior midfielder Whitney Raeon collected the ball about 35 yards out, noticed the keeper off her line, and nailed the ball on frame, over the outstretched Reading keeper.  The score would remain 1-0 into the break.  

After an emotional half-time ceremony, it was Reading who came out on a mission.  Reading continued to play one of the most ferocious defenses we have seen this year, snuffing out every opportunity to generate an attack.  Several near misses for the Lady Warriors kept the excitement high, but again, inept officiating kept the frustration level high as well.  After countless phantom fouls called by the refs, one finally paid off for the Blue Devils.  Junior stopper Amanda Penter teed up a free kick from 20 yards out and watched it sail over an outstretched Casey Clukey.  Score:  1-1.  The final 12 minutes saw Mariemont's offense take charge, and issue a barrage on the Reading back field.  Nothing would land for the Warriors however, and for the second time in two years, they walked away with a tie against Reading.  

The CHL title is STILL up for grabs.  With Indian Hill losing to Madeira, it will come down to Mariemont and Wyoming for the crown.  Mariemont will need some help from league powers Taylor and Indian Hill to knock the Cowboys off their saddle.  Stay tuned.  The excitement is just beginning. 

September 28, 2002
v. Walnut Hills, Div. I

We know every year that Walnut Hills will undoubtedly be the fastest and one of the better skilled teams we will face during the season.  We also know that to win, we will have to have our "A" game, and Walnut will need to make some mistakes.  Neither was the case tonight.

Our Lady Warriors matched up with the Lady Eagles extremely well from the opening whistle.  Although Walnut Hills controlled the tempo of the game, Mariemont showed the desire and the ability to shut them down.  However, with about 20 minutes remaining in the half, senior midfielder Linsday Scheer struck.  With a sharp cut to the center, Scheer fired a rope from 20 yards out, catching keeper Whitney Raeon just far enough off her line for the score.  Walnut snuffed out the Warriors scoring chances in the half to take the 1-0 lead into half-time.

The second half began as the first - with Mariemont playing to stop the Lady Eagles.  With the dangerous flip-throws by Scheer, it was merely a matter of time before one would land.  About 18 minutes into the 2nd half, Scheer found junior striker Whitney Cowit on the near post, who redirected the throw past a stunned Raeon.  About 10 minutes later, Cowit struck again, making a break for the middle, and slipping her shot underneath Raeon, who finished the evening with 13 saves, giving the Lady Eagles a 3-0 victory. 

Although outmatched tonight, this was a great preparation for our home stretch, where we will face #5 Summit Country Day, # 7 Indian Hill, and perhaps the hottest team in Division II, league rival Taylor.   Our sights are now turned towards taking down the Silver Knights from SCD.

September 30, 2002
v. Summit Country Day, #5 city ranking

In only the second year of what is turning into a terrific rivalry, two of the top teams in the city battled for 80 minutes at Summit Country Day's pit.  Both teams had a mission - shut down the strikers.  Little did we know just how tight the game would be.

As soon as the game began, our Lady Warriors were feeling the suffocation a small field forces on a team.  Used to spreading the field and using width and space to our advantage, the adjustment was a difficult one.  Throughout the entire first half, the Silver Knights smothered every touch the Warriors took, rarely giving them a 2nd touch.   The best opportunites came from senior striker Liz Kauffman, who constantly kept the Summit keeper on her toes, ripping 4 shots on goal.  Defensively, the Lady Warriors, led by senior keeper Whitney Raeon, did everything they could to stop the pesky attack by Summit.   Sophomore defender Ali Barnes and senior defender Sarah Heller teamed up to stymie every opportunity for Summit senior stud Jenni Leiter, a leading candidate for Player of the Year.   Both teams would ride their defense into the half with the score deadlocked at 0-0, with Raeon recording 5 saves in the period.  

Mariemont regained control of the game in the 2nd period, turning their offense loose.   The attack came from every direction, with sophomore midfielder Kendall Miller, and freshman mid Kiersten Duffey providing the punch from the sides.  The Knights had serious trouble containing the attack of Kauffman and fellow striker Brittany Rahn, especially with the youth and energy of sophomores Kathryn Kranitzky and Ashley McCracken pushing up behind them.  The Warriors' best chance at a score came with about 2 minutes remaining, when a ball played forward hit off of Rahn's foot, just inches off frame.  Mariemont issued a barrage on the goal for the remaining time, but just couldn't find net.  On the defensive end, the Silver Knights best opportunity came off of a diving header by Leiter from about 10 yards out, only to be smothered by Raeon, who finished with 9 saves on the night.  Barnes went solo shutting Leiter down in the second half, and along with the rest of the Warrior defense, recorded Mariemont's 6th shutout on the season.    Final score:  0-0.  A great game played against a great team!  

Next up - Indian Hill.  Does anything else really need to be said?  

October 2, 2002
v. Indian Hill, #7 city ranking, CHL rival

Army v. Navy.  Ohio State v. Michigan.  Mariemont v. Indian Hill.  Few great rivalries can compare in terms of intensity or emotion.  For the last two years, these two titans have battled to a tie in regular season.  Honestly, what are the chances of it happening a third time?  

The excitement and emotion that this game brings made for a fantastic night of soccer.   Both teams came out on fire, battling for every ball and keeping play primarily in the midfield.   Holding Brave striker Amanda McCaw at bay was part of the game plan, and as expected, sophomore defender Ali Barnes played her like a veteran.   The Warriors best chance at a score came from the cannon of senior striker Liz Kauffman, who fired a bullet from 20 yards out, just missing the upper 90.  A couple of corner kicks provided additional chances, but the Brave defense wouldn't allow the goal.  With 5 shots apiece in the half, both teams entered half-time with a 0-0 score.  

The second half proved to be even more intense than the first, with Mariemont taking immediate control, and maintaining control throughout.  Braves keeper Lisa Iacono was challenged constantly, picking up 14 saves on the night.  The battle raged for the final 40 minutes with neither team willing to give up a goal.  The game would end deadlocked at 0-0, the third tie in as many years.  Mariemont's defense, again led by junior stopper Erin Faulk, and seniors Kim Donovan and Lisa Hammersmith kept the Hill in check for the duration.  Warrior keeper Whitney Raeon came up big several times throughout the evening, notching 12 saves for the match and recording her 7th shutout on the season.  Congratulations to both squads for making this rivalry even more interesting.  

October 7, 2002
v. Batavia

Scoreless in their previous three matches, the Lady Warriors had goals on their minds.  They also set out to record their 8th shutout of the season.  Only bad weather was going to stand in their way.  The Dawgs from Batavia didn't stand a chance!  

For the first 20 minutes of the match, Batavia surprised Mariemont with their aggressive style.  Beating the Warriors to the ball and creating chances with direct play was working for the Dawgs, but they couldn't muster enough offense to penetrate the stubborn defense of Mariemont.  Finally, with just under 20 minutes remaining, our Lady Warriors got the chance they needed.  Freshman striker Allo Perry took control of the play and dished off a perfect through ball to senior striker Liz Kauffman.  "Sporty"  composed herself, and nailed the shot into the upper 90 to take a 1-0 lead.  Mariemont remained in control of the match for the rest of the half, and then, with just over a minute remaining, Kauffman struck again.  Senior striker Brittany Rahn put a ball on frame, angling toward the far post, where Kauffman slid in hard for the finish to give her Warriors a 2-0 lead into the break. 

The second half was immediately seized by the Mariemont attack.  Sophomore midfielder Kendall Miller blazed down the right side, beating her defender just enough to get off the cross.  Kauffman, moving patiently into position 15 yards out, collected the cross, and fired the half-volley into the far side netting, completing her 2nd hat trick for the season.  Fifteen minutes later, it was Kauffman again, taking the flick from Perry (2 assists), and hitting an identical volley into the side net past an outstretched Batavia keeper.  Finished with the scoring, Kauffman moved back to join the defensive unit, anchored by the stellar play of seniors Kim Donovan, Lisa Hammersmith and Sarah Heller, and sophomore marking back Ali Barnes.  Back on the offensive front, it was another rookie, Kiersten Duffey who would continue the scoring.  After a near miss from a rocket shot by Rahn, Duffey was there to clean up the deflection on the far post, recording her 2nd goal of the season.  With 22 seconds remaining, just when everyone thought the clock would wind down, senior midfielder Maggie Lyon had a different idea.  Sophomore midfielder Ashley McCracken, playing perhaps her finest game of the season, ripped a bullet from 12 yards out.  The shot hit the post and ricocheted to the far side, where Lyon came storming in to put the finishing touch on a heavy night of scoring.  Tonight's final:  6-0.  Senior keeper Whitney Raeon (4 saves) was credited with her 8th shutout of the season, giving her an astounding 30 shutouts for her career.  What a great way to end an evening!  

Next up, our CHL finale Wednesday night at Taylor, one of the hottest teams in Cincinnati. 

October 9, 2002
v. Taylor, #9 city ranking, CHL rival

We knew they were one of the hottest teams in Division II soccer.  It didn't take long to find out just how much of a challenge the Yellow Jackets from Taylor would be.

Taylor came out on fire, taking control of the game, pressuring the Mariemont defense.  For the better part of 20 minutes, Taylor continued to surprise our Lady Warriors with their attack and their pressure on the ball.  Mariemont's defense, playing with tremendous team effort from front to back, would allow nothing to get by.  At the 20 minute mark, Mariemont seized an opportunity.  Senior sweeper Lisa Hammersmith set up for a free kick from 35 yards out and placed the service to the far post.  Sophomore midfielder Ashley McCracken crashed in hard to the Taylor keeper, heading the ball loose for senior striker Brittany Rahn to follow up and finish with a header of her own.  The scoring would end there for the half, as the Lady Warriors took their 1-0 lead into the break.  Senior keeper Whitney Raeon came up with 6 saves in the half,  including a fantastic parry on a corner kick, probably the best chance at a score for Taylor. 

Mariemont regained control of the game as the second half was underway.  Trying to adjust to the Yellow Jacket style of playing everything out of the air was tough for the Lady Warriors, but they continued to play with one of their finest work rates to date.  With about 25 minutes to play, however, Taylor got the break they needed.  A misplayed ball by the Warrior defense opened the door for the far post run of Taylor striker Sara Schmidt who crashed through to finish the tying goal.  An otherwise fantastic defensive game led by senior Kim Donovan and sophomore Ali Barnes, who shut down one of the finest goal scorers in the city in Ashley Gerwin, kept the Yellow Jackets at bay.   For the remainder of the game, both teams would see chances to score, but Raeon would allow nothing from Taylor.  Tremendous midfield play by freshman Kiersten Duffey provided some of the best chances for the Warriors, including a breakaway for Rahn down the left side where she shot just wide of the frame, and then in the final minute when McCracken just missed a sliding finish at the far post.  Raeon would finish with 13 saves on the night when the final whistle blew, and Mariemont ended their regular season with a 6-5-4 overall record, and tied Taylor for 2nd place in the CHL with a 3-1-3 league record.   

As we enter the postseason, it's important to note that the Warriors are hitting on all cylinders.  Historically a team that peaks too early, things seem just right for Mariemont to begin a memorable tournament run.  First up, the winner of the Goshen-Lemon Monroe game at Kusel Stadium on Thursday, October 17th. 

October 17, 2002
v. Lemon-Monroe
State Tournament

Two teams, who have never seen each other play before, battling for a trip to the district semifinals.  One team was going to be better prepared than the other.  Monroe never saw what hit them.  

At the opening whistle, the Lady Hornets surprised the Mariemont defense with an offensive rush.  It would last about 5 minutes before our Lady Warriors took control.  As expected, the potency of the Mariemont attack came through at the 33 minute mark.  On the first of several corner kicks on the night, sophomore midfielder Kathryn Kranitzky lofted a perfect ball to the far post, where fellow sophomore Ashley McCracken pounded her way through for the header, giving Mariemont a quick 1-0 lead.  The Warriors defense, led by senior sweeper Lisa Hammersmith, kept Monroe from any serious scoring threats allowing only 4 shots, 2 of which had to be saved by senior keeper Whitney Raeon.  Remaining in control with one of the finest passing games this season, Mariemont continued to punish the Hornet defense.  Then, with 5:11 remaining in the half, they struck.  Freshman striker Allo Perry won control of the ball inside the penalty area.  With her shooting lane sealed off, Perry laid the ball back to senior midfielder Meggie Safford, who nailed the shot from 16 yards out to the far post net to give the 2-0 edge into the break.  

The second half picked up where the first left off - with the Warriors dominating play from front to back.  At the 33:41 mark, Kranitzky stepped up again.  Playing text book flank soccer, Kranitzky took the ball into space behind the Monroe defense and slotted her pass just outside the 12 yard spot.  Senior striker Brittany Rahn came through and finished with authority, blasting her one-touch past a stunned Hornet keeper.  The rest of the game would remain in the Warrior's control.  Tremendous defensive efforts by seniors Kim Donovan and Sarah Heller, and sophomore Ali Barnes held Monroe to just 3 shots in the half, all of which were saved by Raeon.  The closest they came to a score was a blistering shot from 18 yards out which Raeon tipped up to hit the cross bar, and collected on the rebound.  Even with the 3-0 lead, Mariemont never lost their composure, and dominated to the final horn.

Our next challenge will be a district semi-final matchup with Summit Country Day, who we played to a 0-0 stalemate just a few weeks ago.  Should be no problem to get pumped for this game!

October 21, 2002
v. Summit Country Day
#5 Seed, State Tournament

Three weeks ago, we played the Silver Knights to a 0-0 tie.  In what was expected to be a raging dual between two of the top teams in Cincinnati, the players did not disappoint.  

Summit Country Day began the game with an insane pace that one would think would be impossible to keep up.  Mariemont stayed with them, however, step for step, kick for kick, tackle for tackle.  Summit's greatest scoring threat, senior striker Jenni Leiter, proved herself as the top player in Division II ball.  Unstoppable?  That question was answered by sophomore defender Ali Barnes, and senior marking back Sarah Heller, who held Leiter at bay for the first 40 minutes.  The defense was highlighted by the phenomenal play of senior keeper Whitney Raeon, who recorded 5 of the most spectacular saves of her career, one of which was tipped over the crossbar from a Leiter bullet 30 yards out.  Mariemont's best scoring chances came from a free kick from senior sweeper Lisa Hammersmith, which bent and hit the upper 90 post, inches away from the net.  Later, sophomore midfielder Ashley McCracken would follow a deflection by the Silver Knight keeper from point blank range, only to have it deflected again.  Both teams went into the break worn from the tempo of the game, each holding on to the 0-0 score.  

As proven time and time again this season, the second half generally remains in the control of our Lady Warriors.  Exploding with the offensive punch we are capable of, Mariemont hammered the outside on the attack.  Finally, with 31:31 remaining in the game, we saw the break we had been looking for.  Sophomore midfielder Kendall Miller fought hard to win the ball, and when she did, she found senior striker Liz Kauffman making her break on a diagonal run.  Kauffman collected the ball, took on the Summit defense, and fired a rocket from 12 yards out.  Summit's keeper, although she got a hand on it, couldn't handle the force of the shot, and watched it carom off the post and into the back of the net.  Minutes later, Kauffman struck again.  Charging in on a 50/50 ball, Kauffman collided with the Summit keeper, knocking the ball away for freshman Allo Perry to finish from 18 yards out.  The goal was called back by the officials, however, claiming the ball was knocked out of the keeper's hands.  Mariemont would then show the power of their defense.  Again, Raeon came up huge on several Summit shots, showing both her range and athleticism in goal.  With help from Hammersmith, senior defender Kim Donovan, and junior stopper Erin Faulk in front of her, the Warrior defense thwarted opportunity after opportunity.  The insane pace wouldn't stop until the final horn, and in the end, our Lady Warriors came out with the 1-0 victory, and their 3rd straight sectional title.  Raeon would finish with 8 saves on the night, and lead Mariemont to their 10th shutout this season, a record year for the Lady Warriors.  

Mariemont makes their 4th trip in 5 years to the District Championship against #1 Cincinnati Country Day, who defeated New Richmond 1-0 in another tight semi-final contest.  The match will take place Thursday night at Milford at 7:00 PM.

October 24, 2002
v. CCD
#1 Seed, State Tournament

Cincinnati Country Day has been the #1 team in Cincinnati since the preseason poll.  There's a reason why. . . 

From the beginning of the game, CCD took control and mounted one offensive surge after another.  Mariemont knew they had to contain three of the top players in the city in order to remain in the game.  What a task!!  Sophomore defender Ali Barnes had her hands full containing speedster Brittany Woods.  Fellow sophomore Ashley McCracken had an equally daunting job of shutting down Kianna Mitchell, and junior stopper Erin Faulk had a field day with Division II Player of the Year Missy Vierling.  The Lady Warriors played a tremendous defensive game, holding CCD scoreless until 2 minutes remained.  That's when our first mistake cost us.    A poorly cleared ball out of the box deflected to the left side of the penalty area, where junior midfielder Rachel Felous cleaned it up to take the 1-0 lead into the break.  

The second half evened out quite a bit, with Mariemont putting on their own offensive rush.  They nearly put one away when sophomore midfielder Kathryn Kranitzky crossed the ball to the far post and fellow midfielder Kendall Miller missed by inches for the finish.   Minutes later, Vierling showed why she is Player of the Year.  Taking control of the ball across midfield, Vierling found space for the breakaway.  Faulk had little choice but to take her out in the box, giving CCD the PK.  With the 2-0 deficit, Mariemont knew they had to score three to pull out the win.  With about 15 mintues left to play, CCD attacked down the right side where Felous crossed to 10 yards out.  Woods came flying across the box, sliding/diving to put the header in over an outstretched Whitney Raeon.  Score:  3-0.  Our Lady Warriors didn't stop for a second, continuing to pressure the CCD defense.  With 2 minutes remaining, senior striker Liz Kauffman took a Mariemont free kick from 20 yards out, and just missed net, skimming the ball off the crossbar.  With about 8 minutes remaining, every available senior was on the field, playing as hard as they ever have over their incredible careers.  When the final whistle blew, Mariemont saw their championship run come to an end.  In the process, we accomplished what few have been able to do all season - shut down Vierling and Mitchell.    

Special mention should be given to the character and attitudes of this exemplary group of athletes.  The way they played with enthusiasm and intensity brought smiles to everyone's faces.  The bus ride home, although with some tears, was filled with laughter, pride, and great dignity.  These seniors led this group to an extraordinary season, and ended their careers with even more class than which they began.  Liz, Brit, Kim, Meggie, Maggie, Whit, Casey, Lizzy, Lisa, and Sarah. . . Thank you.  

2001 ARCHIVES

2000 ARCHIVES

1999 ARCHIVES

Back to Women's Soccer Home