August 18, 2003
v. McNicholas, Division I Top 10

Losing to McNicholas 2-6 in 2002 was the most humbling experience many of these girls have faced on the pitch.  They were determined not to be embarrassed, and to come out and show the quality of play of which they are capable.  Although they did not get the decision, it was the wake-up call the Lady Warriors needed.

The game started out in favor of the Rockets, with much of the play in the Lady Warriors defensive end of the field.  The back four, however, played as well as they ever have, allowing few quality chances on goal.  Senior keeper Emily Lapointe came up huge several times, not allowing anything by her.  The last 15 minutes of the half evened out, with Mariemont executing some quick play forward, resulting in a couple great opportunities.  The Rocket defense held tough, however, and snuffed the chances.  With about 5 minutes remaining in the half, McNick broke the deadlock.  Their midfielder launched one from about 22 yds. out, catching Lapointe off her line just enough to sneak one in over the top.  Score at the half. . . 0-1.

The second half again started out with McNick taking immediate control.  Having trouble playing the ball out and pushing across midfield, the Lady Warriors were faced with one barrage after another.  Something had to give.  Finally, about 10 minutes into the half, our Lady Warriors gave up one too many chances - a cross placed to the far post, catching us in transition, and headed in without much of a challenge.  Minutes later, the Rockets finished a corner on the other far post, again without much of a challenge.  Down 0-3, Mariemont moved senior captain Erin Faulk, generally keeping the back organized, into the midfield to create some scoring chances.  Mariemont's best chance of the game came when sophomore defender Lauren Jones won control and played outside to junior midfielder Kathryn Kranitzky.  KK found sophomore forward Megan Groppe up the line, who then took on the Rocket defense.  With tremendous speed, Groppe blew past the outside back, and crossed a low ball from the 18.  Fellow sophomore striker Allo Perry made a sliding attempt at the finish, sending it just over the cross bar.  The attack would end there, and the defense would hold for for the remainder of the game, taking a 0-3 loss home to ponder. 

As mentioned earlier, this was a wake up call for our Lady Warriors.  Our Division II schedule begins Saturday with rival Cincinnati Country Day in a double-header at Kusel Stadium.  Don't miss it.

**  As of 9/30/03, McNicholas disclosed the use of an ineligible player, resulting in a win for the Lady Warriors by forfeit.  A bittersweet victory. . .

August 23, 2003
v. Cincinnati Country Day, Division II Top 5

Revenge or redemption?  That was the question going into this matchup with one of the best Cincinnati has to offer.  Our last memory of playing CCD was a 0-3 heartbreaker in the District Championship.  Our goal tonight - win!

The game began as expected, with both teams battling hard for the ball up and down the field, with most of the control coming from Mariemont's midfield.  The Lady Warriors showed their resolve by issuing a ferocious attack on the young Indian defense over and over.  Sophomore forwards Megan Groppe and Allo Perry were too much to handle, and with about 25 minutes remaining in the half, they proved deadly for CCD.  Sophomore midfielder Kiersten Duffey headed the ball over to Perry on the near post about 6 yards out.  Perry muscled her way past the weary defender, and nailed the finish with authority over the Indian keeper.  Outstanding play by the Lady Warrior defense, anchored by senior captain Erin Faulk, and her supporting cast of juniors Ali Barnes and Virginia Holmes, and sophomore Lauren Jones, kept the Indians at bay, allowing only 2 shots in the half.  Senior captain goalkeeper Emily Lapointe calmly cleaned up the one shot on frame, and led Mariemont into half-time with the 1-0 edge.

The second half began a bit more balanced, with CCD finally showing why they are one of the best.  The Indian attack, led by seniors Brittany Woods and Kianna Mitchell, pounded the Mariemont defense, but sophomore keeper Maeve McGoff made some spectacular saves to keep them in check.  With more fierce and physical play, several fouls were called against Mariemont, and with about 14 minutes remaining in the game, it paid off for CCD.  Woods hit a bullet from about 25 yards out, and with the ball deflecting off of CCD junior Ashley Hunt, they equalized the score at one apiece.  Before the crowd could settle down, however, Mariemont once again showed their resolve.  Faulk, coming forward for a corner kick, took control of a Groppe header to the outside, and reloaded into the box.  Duffey, playing one of the best games of her young career, had her eyes fixed on the ball, opened up, and struck it past the stunned CCD keeper, giving the Lady Warriors the lead with 11 minutes to play.  The Mariemont defense shut down the rest of the CCD attacks, with fantastic support on the outsides from juniors Kathryn Kranitzky and Kendall Miller, and from Duffey and junior Ashley McCracken, also playing one of her finest games, down the middle.  Final score:  Mariemont 2, CCD 1. 

League play begins Wednesday the 27th against the Reading Blue Devils at Reading.  It should be an equally exciting match, with Reading also coming into the season as one of the top 5 teams to watch.  Hold on tight - the fun is just beginning!  The Reading game was rained out and rescheduled for Monday, October 6th at Reading.

August 30, 2003
v. Mt. Notre Dame, Division I

The Lady Warriors knew coming in to this game that MND would be out to avenge the 1-0 defeat they were handed last season.  Unfortunately for MND, losing was not part of Mariemont's plan tonight.

The game began with tough, physical play from both squads, with MND controlling the better part of the game.  Senior captain goalkeeper Emily Lapointe, however, would not give up any ground.  Finally, with 22:00 minutes left in the first half, the Cougars found redemption.  Junior midfielder Maria Johnson hit a prayer from about 30 yards out, floating the ball just under the cross bar to take the 1-0 lead.  7 minutes later, however, Mariemont would begin something extraordinary!  Sophomore forward Megan Groppe read a kick perfectly from the Cougar keeper, took it under control and buried the equalizer from about 16 yards out, her first career goal, to take a 1-1 score into the half time break.  For the half, MND out shot the Warriors 6-2, but Lapointe made 3 saves to keep everything even. 

About 10 minutes into the 2nd half, Mariemont surged forward with one of several attacks.  Sophomore midfielder Kiersten Duffey, finding no options in front of her, played the ball back to fellow midfielder, junior Ashley McCracken, who ripped the shot from about 22 yards out, sailing over the outstretched Cougar keeper.  That would prove to be the game-winner.  With play fairly balanced and even more physical, the game went back and forth, mainly through the midfield, where players were putting vicious hits on one another.  But it was Groppe again who made the difference with some fantastic defensive pressure.  Getting in the way of yet another keeper clear, Groppe made the most of her efforts, sliding in front of the keeper, and finishing her second goal of the night to the far post, giving the Lady Warriors a comfortable 3-1 edge.  MND's best chances came from 3 corners and several free kicks from within 25 yards, including one as a result of one of the hardest hits seen in women's high school soccer.  McCracken went up hard for a 50/50 head ball, leveling her opponent in a pancake-style hit.  Lapointe, however, made one save after another, not allowing any 2nd chances on her goal.  With a foul being called in Mariemont's favor from their own 35 yard mark with 20 seconds remaining, Lapointe came forward to take the kick.  She found McCracken waiting about 40 yards away, who first-timed it past the Cougar defense finding none other than Groppe in full stride.  With the keeper coming out in a last ditch effort to snuff the shot, Groppe juked to her left, and placed the shot into the far side netting for the hat trick.  The final 10 seconds ticked away, and Mariemont came away with one of their biggest wins ever, 4-1 over the Division I power. 

An amazing effort by the Mariemont defense, led by senior captain Erin Faulk, and anchored by junior Virginia Holmes, sophomore Lauren Jones, and freshman Chelsea Koglmeier, kept the energy and momentum going for the Lady Warriors.  This kind of effort is what will be needed to overcome the challenge of CHL rival Indian Hill in our first league match next Wednesday.  It should be a spectacular event, one you won't want to miss.

September 3, 2003
v. Indian Hill, Division II #4 Ranking

Mariemont v. Indian Hill is always one of the most emotionally charged matches of the season.  Tonight, it was a wake up call for our Lady Warriors.

The contest began pretty evenly matched, with both teams creating opportunities on frame.  Sophomore midfielder Kiersten Duffey led the charge for the Warriors, firing 4  shots on frame, all saved, however, by the Braves keeper.  Her luck would run out with about 1:25 left in the half.  On a throw in by Mariemont, Duffey flicked the ball on to junior Ashley McCracken, who flicked it onto sophomore Allo Perry into space.  Perry looked, saw the near post, and fired a missile from 25 yards out into the near upper-90 to take the 1-0 lead into the break.

The wake up  for the Warriors came in the 2nd period, with Indian Hill taking immediate control, and keeping control.  Senior forward Amanda McCaw equalized the score 4 minutes in, taking the little room she had and burying one in the near post.  The Lady Warrior defense held tough for the next 25 minutes, with the Braves still controlling play.  At the 11:00 minute mark, however, it was McCaw again, sliding just outside the 18, and hitting the far post net for the game-winner. 

We look forward to this Saturday, as we battle Top 10 Seven Hills at Kusel Stadium.  

September 6, 2003
v. Seven Hills, Division II #6 Ranking

We knew Seven Hills was good. . . but this good??

When the opening whistle blew, the Stingers from Seven Hills set an insane pace in the match, with Player of the Year candidate Suzy Keller leading the way.  Both teams had opportunities in one of the most physical games played to date, but it was Seven Hills who struck first.  With 24:33 left in the first half, Keller hit a rocket off the crossbar, where two follow-ups were thwarted by Warrior senior captain Emily Lapointe, but it was the third chance that hurt, when senior Christie Alexander popped it in from 2 yards out.  Less than two minutes later, it was Keller again firing from 25 yards out, this time finding the far post upper-90 to give the Stingers the 2-0 edge going into the break. 

Adjusting to Seven Hills attack, Mariemont changed formations, and took the field with junior midfielder Ashley McCracken assigned to shut down Keller.  The change paid off immediately, when junior midfielder Kathryn Kranitzky and sophomore Allo Perry combined to open a chance for Mariemont.  Sophomore striker Megan Groppe took the chance, and buried it in the back of the net less than two minutes into the half.  Match play not only balanced out, but turned into a fierce battle, with both teams being called for intense fouls.    A controversial play with about 15:00 minutes remaining seemed to turn the tide back to Seven Hills' favor.  Junior defender Ali Barnes played a 40 yard ball up the touchline, which the assistant referee flagged out of bounds.  Play continued for 30-40 seconds 70 yards up-field, when the play was called back and Seven Hills awarded the throw.  Catching Mariemont confused and disorganized, it was Alexander again who knocked one in to take the 3-1 lead.  Mariemont, however, as they had shown the entire half, refused to relent, and about 90 seconds later, countered with textbook finishing.  It was Perry again creating the opportunity inside Seven Hills penalty area, then playing the ball out and back to the left side.  Rookie Chelsea Koglmeier came forward and buried the finish like a veteran to pull within a goal.  The final 13 minutes remained extremely physical, but the score remained 3-2, with Seven Hills going home with the victory. 

Our Lady Warriors were exceptional tonight.  Coming back from a 0-2 deficit, playing harder than they've played all season, being challenged by the best team they've faced all season, is something for which they should be tremendously proud.  Our challenge continues Wednesday night when Wyoming plays host in the CHL match-up of the year.  

September 10, 2003
v. Wyoming, Division II #1 Ranking

The #1 ranked team in Cincinnati Division II.  The Lady Warriors knew the task in front of them.  The question was whether or not they were up for it.

Taking control immediately after the whistle began the match, Mariemont punished the Cowboy defense, led by attacks from sophomore striker Megan Groppe.  Everything remained in the Lady Warriors attacking half of the field until a goal was called back for an offsides offense.  That's when the tide changed.  With about 20 minutes remaining in the first half, the Cowboys launched a quick counter attack and caught the usually impenetrable Mariemont defense out of balance.  They loaded the weak side, slotted a ball across from 16 yards out, and senior Chelsea Rhodes put it away to the far post.  Wyoming, although being out-shot by Mariemont 9-5, took the 1-0 lead into the break.

The second half balanced out, with several of Wyoming's players stepping up and showing why they are #1 in the city.  Ripping 8 shots in the half, 7 on frame, the Cowboys hammered away.  Finally, with 12 minutes remaining, midfielder Megan Meyers took the ball out of the air, into space, and ripped a rocket from the edge of the penalty box into the upper 90.  With the 2-0 lead, they contained the Lady Warrior attack, and ended the match as victors. 

Were they a better team?  No, but tonight they showed that anyone who perseveres can come out on top.  The Lady Warriors have another battle in front of them as they face Roger Bacon at the Pit Saturday afternoon.

September 13, 2003
v. Roger Bacon, Division II #6 Ranking

Three straight losses is tough.  The last thing the Lady Warriors wanted to see this afternoon was another.

Playing at Roger Bacon is always a challenge.  When the opening whistle blew, Mariemont seemed to have difficulty adjusting to the playing surface.  Nonetheless, they took control.  However, at the 32:00 mark, Bacon jumped out in front.  They got behind the Lady Warrior defense, and after 3 point blank shots on frame, they finally finished one on a controversial play where it seemed as though they may have been offsides.  The goal stood, and Roger Bacon took the 1-0 lead into half-time. 

The second half remained in control of Mariemont.  The troubles for our Lady Warriors, though, kept mounting.  Chances to tie and take the lead came and went for our Warriors on 6 corner kicks we couldn't connect on, a missed penalty kick and a blown 3 v. 1 breakaway opportunity.  The downers peaked when senior keeper Emily Lapointe quickly left her line to clear a through ball.  Strong pressure by the Bacon striker paid off as she got enough in the way of the clearance to deflect the ball back into the Warrior goal from about 25 yards out.  Final score. . . 2-0. 

The bright side of these last four defeats (yes, there is a bright side!) is that our resilience never died.  We worked for 80 minutes against four of the top teams in Cincinnati, played well, controlled much of the time, and never gave up.  Things will get better - perseverance for our Lady Warriors will pay off!

September 17, 2003
v. Deer Park, CHL Rival

Four straight losses is enough to inspire anyone.  That's exactly how our Lady Warriors played tonight.

As soon as the whistle blew to open the match, Mariemont showed that they were going to dominate.  With shots coming from all sides within the first minute, you could see the hopelessness on the Wildcats faces.  At the 37:56 mark, Mariemont struck.  Sophomore striker Allo Perry took a service from junior midfielder Kendall Miller, and buried it for the score.  Less than 2 minutes later, it was Perry again, taking a through ball from midfielder Kiersten Duffey to nail her second goal on the night.  Although the shots kept coming from the Lady Warriors, the Wildcats mounted a couple of opportunities of their own, only to be snuffed out by the Mariemont defense.  At the 28:00 minute mark, it was junior midfielder Ashley McCracken placing the ball through to sophomore Megan Groppe, who finished with authority on the breakaway.  The scoring pinnacled with 5:26 remaining in the half when McCracken found Groppe again with a through ball, who put it away to give the Warriors a comfortable 4-0 lead at the break.

With just over 30 minutes remaining in the second half, Deer Park, who seemed to come alive for a moment, countered the Warrior domination with a scoring chance.  An obstruction call awarded the Wildcats a free kick from 25 yards out, which senior Cassie Diesel ripped just under the cross bar for the score.  The celebration was quieted less than two minutes later, however, when Perry got behind the Deer Park defense (again), and fired a rocket off the side post.  Freshman Alex Jeske followed up, nailed the second chance off the cross bar, and followed again, finishing with her shot and body ending up in the side netting.  Switching the lineup around, Mariemont remained in control throughout the period.  Junior Ali Barnes, a usual mainstay in the defensive unit, was moved up front, and created several chances around the Deer Park goal.  At last, with 10 minutes remaining, Perry found Barnes, who roofed the finished for her first goal of the season.  Less than two minutes later, it was Barnes with the assist, playing the ball outside to junior Claire Rich, who ripped the shot from about 18 yards out into the near upper-90.  When all was finished, the Lady Warriors walked away smiling with the 7-1 victory. 

Special mention should be given to the Mariemont defense.  Though they rarely get opportunities to score, the unit made up of senior captains Erin Faulk and Emily Lapointe, juniors Virginia Holmes and Ali Barnes, sophomore Lauren Jones, and freshman Chelsea Koglmeier have been the backbone of this team.  Solid play from midfielders Carrie Porter and Katie Butcher have also been key to this teams success.  As stated earlier, perseverance will pay off, and win or lose, this team is learning what TEAMWORK is all about.

September 22, 2003
v. Walnut Hills, Div. I Top 10

No matter how hard we play, or no matter how well we play, it still doesn't ease the pain of a loss. 

Knowing the Eagles of Walnut Hills were on a roll coming into this game, Mariemont came out on fire.  Although Walnut set the tempo and maintained control in the Mariemont end of the field, our Lady Warriors put together some attacks that gave the Eagles fits.  Sophomore striker Allo Perry sliced through the Eagle defense 4 times in the first period, but the shots went just wide of the posts.  The deadlock was broken with about 17:00 minutes remaining in the half, when Walnut's outside back fired up a prayer from 35 yards out over the outstretched senior keeper Emily Lapointe.  Score at the half. . . 1-0.

The second half continued much like the first, with Walnut Hill in control, but Mariemont battling as hard as ever.  Both teams had chances, but most never saw the frame.  At the 16:11 mark, however, the Eagles struck again.  The outside back, again, launched another prayer from 30 yards out, again over the outstretched Lapointe.  At that point, sophomore keeper Maeve McGoff made her return from the injured list.  With 9:44 remaining in the match, Mariemont found redemption.  Junior midfielder Ali Barnes took a corner kick, finding Perry about 8 yards out, firing it in past the Eagle keeper.  With the extra boost of confidence, Mariemont took over, but to no avail.  Walnut Hills sealed the victory with :22 seconds left on a corner kick that bounced in front of the goal one too many times.  Final. . . 1-3.

It's important to note the efforts and work rate of our Lady Warriors.  This is the best they have played against the Eagles in the 4 years we have been matched up with them.  We are prepared to take on any opponent, and come tournament time, we'll be hitting on all cylinders.

September 24, 2003
v. Madeira, Division II #9 Ranking

Always exciting.  Always a battle.  Two top 10 teams in Cincinnati Division II battling, not just for the CHL, but for bragging rights as well.  Once again, the teams did not fail to give us a great match.

The tempo began fast and furious as both teams pounded away at each others defenses.  The Lady Warriors had their hands full trying to contain Amazon stud Megan Drummond, who created several chances for Madeira.  The Amazons had an equally daunting task of containing sophomore striker Megan Groppe, who managed to rip 7 shots in the half, one off the side bar about 15 minutes into the period.  Neither defense would give way to any of the challenges, however, and took a 0-0 deadlock into the break. 

The second half saw control turn towards Madeira, relentlessly attacking on the flanks with their speed.  But still, the Mariemont defense, anchored by juniors Ali Barnes, Virginia Holmes and Ashley McCracken, and sophomore Lauren Jones, would not give any ground.  At one point, however, the Amazons put a scare into the Lady Warriors.  The Amazon attack unleashed a barrage of point blank shots, 3 of which were saved by sophomore keeper Maeve McGoff, one nailed off both posts, and another shanked over the crossbar.  The Lady Warriors mounted a couple of opportunities of their own, with sophomore Allo Perry first-timing a cross over the crossbar, and McCracken ripping  a couple from 20-plus yards out on frame.  The excitement remained into the final minute, when senior captain Erin Faulk fired a bullet from 25 yards out on frame with 20 seconds left in the game, only to be handled cleanly by the Amazon keeper.  The game ended in a 0-0 draw. 

Next up - Summit Country Day on Saturday at 7:30 PM, a rematch of last year's District Semifinal which the Lady Warriors walked away with a 1-0 victory.  Don't miss it!!

September 27, 2003
v. Summit Country Day

With over a week since their last win, these Lady Warriors were primed to come out strong and make a statement.  Before the night was over, they made several!

Mariemont set the tone immediately, when junior midfielder Kiersten Duffey won a 50/50 ball and served up Megan Groppe down the left flank, who blazed past the Silver Knight defense and buried the ball in the back of the net from 16 yards out. . . all within 32 seconds!!  Control remained in the play of the Lady Warriors, keeping the ball pressured onto the Summit defense most of the half.  With just over 14 minutes remaining in the half, that pressure forced the first corner kick on the night.  Served up by junior defender Kathryn Kranitzky, the ball was nailed home off the head of a flying junior midfielder Ashley McCracken to give the Warriors the 2-0 edge.  About 10 minutes later, the Mariemont attack forced another corner kick, this time being served in by Barnes.  Again, McCracken was at the other end of the service to put away her second goal of the night.  The Lady Warriors went into the break smiling with a 3-0 lead.

A revived Summit team came out in the second period looking to make a statement of their own.  Solid play and aggressiveness, along with blinding speed from their frontrunners put pressure on the Lady Warriors they hadn't seen in the first half.  The wind was taken out of their sails, however, with about 31 minutes to play in the match. A throw in by junior Kendall Miller found its way across the box, and with a little help from sophomore Allo Perry, Groppe slid onto it from 6 yards out, putting it away at the far post.  Remaining in control, Mariemont settled play, maintained possession, and kept pressure on the Silver Knights.  The scoring was wrapped up with :12 seconds remaining, when Groppe took a pass from McCracken through the seams and buried it from 8 yards out, capping her 2nd hat-trick performance of the season.  Final score. . . 5-0.  Goalkeeper Maeve McGoff recorded her 2nd shutout of the season, making 1 save on the night. 

League play resumes this Wednesday at Finneytown at 5:00 for JV and 7:00 PM for Varsity.

October 1, 2003
v. Finneytown, CHL rival

With two straight shutouts, the Lady Warriors were primed to come out strong once again.  Finneytown didn't have any idea what was in store for them.

One of the few times the Wildcats of Finneytown saw the Mariemont end of the field came inside the first couple of minutes of the match.  Opportunities from a long range shot and a corner kick by the Wildcats were the wake up call the Lady Warriors needed to take control.  And take control they did!  At the 32:34 mark, junior midfielder Ali Barnes served up sophomore striker Megan Groppe, who ripped a left footer from about 16 yards out past the Wildcat keeper.  After about 14 more shots from all sides, the Lady Warriors Kiersten Duffey put one away to take the 2-0 lead.  A second goal by Groppe served up from the endline by Duffey was called back for an apparent off-sides, so Mariemont had to settle for the 2 goal edge at the break.

The second half was all Mariemont!  Less than two minutes in, a ball was played into senior captain Erin Faulk, who redirected it into space for Groppe, who went 20 yards and the score.  About 7 minutes later, Groppe capped off her 3rd hat trick performance of the season from a service by junior midfielder Ashley McCracken.  As the Lady Warriors continued their dominance, the opportunities kept coming.  Sophomore Allo Perry crossed a ball across the 6 yard box at the 14 minute mark, and Duffey hammered it in for her second on the night.  It was Perry's turn to score just minutes later as senior co-captain Emily Lapointe combined with Groppe on a free kick, which Perry found at the back side post.  Then, just 20 seconds later, Faulk, working for her first goal of the season, sliced through the Wildcat defense and put away the finale with 9:00 minutes remaining in the game.  Changing the formation to preserve the shutout, control remained in the hands of Mariemont, and the scoring ended with the Lady Warriors taking the CHL victory 7-0.  Sophomore keeper Maeve McGoff did not have to make a save to earn the shutout, as the superb defensive play, anchored by juniors Virginia Holmes, Kathryn Kranitzky, and sophomore Lauren Jones, only allowed 3 shots on the night. 

League play picks up again Monday, October 6th at Reading. 

October 6, 2003
v. Reading, CHL rival, #10 Ranking

Over the last two years, Reading has steadily established themselves as a top 10 team, and played Mariemont to consecutive draws.  Would this year be different?  Would they finally surpass our Lady Warriors???

As soon as the whistle blew, the Blue Devils from Reading took control.  Playing a very direct style, they served ball after ball into the Mariemont defense trying to create chances.  The Lady Warriors held tough, not allowing anything to get by them.  This lasted for about 25 minutes, until Mariemont finally decided to play.  Scoring chances by sophomore strikers Megan Groppe and Allo Perry came just shy of finding the back of the net.  When the horn sounded, the Lady Warriors were relieved to take the 0-0 deadlock into the break. 

Mariemont came alive in the second half and took over.  An amazing chance came when junior midfielder Kendall Miller followed up a cross and nailed her shot off the crossbar.  A couple of minutes later, Mariemont got the break they were looking for.  After a hard foul about 40 yards out, junior midfielder Ali Barnes placed the free kick right into the crowd of chaos outside the goal.  A leaping Ashley McCracken got her head on it to help in the already unstoppable goal, giving the Lady Warriors the 1-0 advantage.  The cheering would quiet when Reading pounced on a  poorly played ball and finished the back door goal one minute later.  Reading continued to pound the Mariemont defense with shots from all ranges, all either going wide, or being saved by senior goalkeeper Emily Lapointe, who ended up with 8 saves on the night.  With about 4 minutes remaining, senior captain Erin Faulk fired the would be game-winner just sailing over the cross bar.  The scoring would end, and for the third time in three years, the Lady Warriors end up with a draw to the Blue Devils. 

The final league game against Taylor is Wednesday night, when we honor the seniors one last time at Kusel Stadium.  Don't miss it!!

October 8, 2003
v. Taylor, CHL rival, #8 Ranking

Due to the outcome of the game, this summary will be more brief than normal.  Sorry for any disappointment this may cause. . .

The Yellow Jackets from Taylor took control immediately, and remained in control for the better part of the first half.  Senior Kristen Gerwin tallied two goals to give them a 2-0 lead at the half. 

 A rejuvenated Mariemont came out and played like it could be the last of their careers.  Senior captain Emily Lapointe and sophomore Allo Perry scored off of set plays served up by juniors Ali Barnes and Kathryn Kranitzky, respectively.  Taylor, however, came back, and behind the will of junior Sarah Schmidt, came back and ended up taking a 5-2 victory home.  The game ended early after a heart-stopping collision between Schmidt and sophomore keeper Maeve McGoff.  As of Saturday, after many answered prayers, both players are sore, but OK.

Mariemont's regular season ends on Saturday, October 11th against Division I opponent Glen Este.

October 11, 2003
v. Glen Este, Division I

What our Lady Warriors needed to wind up their regular season and go into tournament was a perfect game.  Maybe it wasn't perfect, but it was close!!

In a half which Mariemont simply dominated, they showed the skill and patience of a championship contender.  They showed the drive and force of a team on a mission.  Service after service, and through ball after through ball, the Mariemont attack punished the Trojan defense, but could not find the back of the net.  One of the best chances of the half came with about 1 minute remaining when sophomore striker Megan Groppe went endline and caromed her shot off the near post.  Fortunately for Glen Este, they were able to hold onto the 0-0 draw into the break. 

The second half continued much as the first, with the Mariemont attack relentlessly pressuring the defense of Glen Este.  Finally, with about 30 minutes remaining in the match, the persistance paid off.  Sophomore Allo Perry took a feed up the right side and nailed a cross from about 6 yards from the endline.  Groppe, charging in at full speed, connected with her head for an unstoppable finish at the near post.  With the 1-0 lead, Mariemont refused to hold back their attack, and the defense, anchored by juniors Virginia Holmes and Ashley McCracken refused to allow anything by them.  The midfield of Mariemont played as well as they ever have, lead by senior captain Erin Faulk, and swarmed every chance at a possession by Glen Este.  Mariemont would hold onto the 1-0 lead until the final whistle, and senior co-captain Emily Lapointe would finish with 7 saves to record her 2nd shutout of the season. 

Tremendous support from junior midfielder Carrie Porter, freshman midfielder Alex Jeske and junior Claire Rich gave the minutes needed to keep all players fresh throughout the match.  The Lady Warriors also saw action tonight from some newcomers to the Varsity squad, along for the ride through tournament play.  Sophomore Katie Butcher, and freshmen Jackie Weber, Allie Dilbone and Leslie Foard all created scoring chances for Mariemont and showed why they deserve to be there.  Tournament play begins against Clark Montessori Monday night at Kusel Stadium.  Don't miss the action of the Fall Classic!!  We're as ready as ever!

October 13, 2003
v. Clark Montessori, State Tournament

Opening night of the Ohio High School State Soccer Tournament is always filled with excitement.  Playing without a first round bye for the first time in 7 years, Mariemont had to be prepared for anything.  On this picture-perfect night for soccer, that's exactly what they did!

The opening whistle started an all out attack on the Clark defensive unit that would last for 40 minutes.  Senior captain Erin Faulk set the tone, firing her first of 5 shots on the night from 25 yards out.  Sophomore Allo Perry had one of the best opportunities of the half.  A service from sophomore Kiersten Duffey found Perry about 5 yards out, heading it from point-blank range, only to be deflected by the Cougar keeper, then headed again by Perry, and finally saved on the goal line.  Then, on the third Mariemont corner kick, we struck gold.  Sophomore Megan Groppe got her head on the perfect serve, from junior midfielder Ali Barnes, where it was knocked away by a Cougar defender, only to be pounced on by Perry, shooting to the far post, caroming the ball off another Cougar defender for the score.  More shots from Faulk, Duffey and Groppe continued to frustrate Clark.  With about 10 minutes remaining in the half, our Lady Warriors found the nail in the coffin they'd been looking for.  Another corner kick service by Barnes found Groppe charging in at full speed, connecting for the header to the far post.  The Lady Warriors would take the 2-0 lead into the break. 

The tide turned in the second half.  Clark came out figuring they had nothing to lose.  Toe ball after toe ball found their way threatening the Lady Warrior defense.  However, with the virtually impenetrable trio of Lauren Jones, Virginia Holmes, and Chelsea Koglmeier, and with the support of Barnes in the final 15 minutes, nothing got through.  On the night, Mariemont only allowed 4 shots, none on goal, and senior keeper Emily Lapointe notched her 4th shutout of the season. 

Next up in the Sectional semifinal is Ross, who brings in a fantastic record and a winning tradition.  7:00 PM at the High School Thursday night.  We can't wait!!

October 16, 2003
v. Ross, State Tournament

The scouting report on Ross was one to make us wonder, "Just how good are they?"  To compete with them, we knew we would have to play very well.  To beat them, we knew that nothing but our best would do.  We couldn't have written a better script!!

The match began with the intensity you would expect from a Sectional Semifinal.  Both squads came out on a mission.  Making an adjustment in the Lady Warrior lineup to account for Ross phenom Danielle Hogue, Mariemont came out in a 3-1-4-2 formation.  Junior defender Ali Barnes was assigned the daunting task of shutting down Hogue, and that she did!  Only allowing 2 shots from Hogue in the first half, each from 30+ yards, Barnes contained one of the biggest threats in Cincinnati.  The attack of the Lady Warriors was overwhelming for the Rams of Ross.  And about 20 minutes into the period, they found what they'd been looking for.  On the third corner kick of the night, Barnes served up a picture perfect ball about 6 yards out.  Sophomore striker Allo Perry checked into the space and put it away into the back corner for the tally.  Control would remain in the hands of Mariemont, outshooting Ross 7-2 for the half. 

The second half was even more exciting than the first.  No longer dominating, Mariemont felt the pressure of a Ross squad on the verge of elimination.  Officially, the Rams managed to get off 6 more shots in the half, but none really threatened the Mariemont goal, tended by senior captain Emily Lapointe (1 save on the night)  One of the best chances for the Lady Warriors came off of a blazing run by sophomore Megan Groppe, taking the ball down the right side and ripping a shot near the endline.  The Ram keeper came up with the save of the night, however, and deflected the shot away.  For the remainder of the game, the Lady Warriors fate was in the hands of the defensive play.  Not just from the back 3, but from all 11 players.  Challenging every shot, snuffing out every opportunity for an attack, the Mariemont defense led the way to the 1-0 victory, their 3rd straight shutout.

The Lady Warriors move on to the Sectional Championship, a.k.a. the District Semifinal on Monday night at a site to be determined to take on the Cowboys from Wyoming.  This is what dreams are made of. . . .

October 20, 2003
v. Wyoming, State Tournament

Everything was perfect.  The weather, the preparation, the enthusiasm, the motivation.  Tonight was going to be a war that would leave only one team standing.  What a game!!!

The Cowboys came out at the whistle and immediately showed why they have been ranked #1 all season long.  The pace they set was inhuman, one that would destroy most teams.  The Lady Warriors, however, were prepared to go toe to toe with them.  Possession leaned in favor of Wyoming, but Mariemont's defense, led by juniors Virginia Holmes and Ashley McCracken, sophomore Lauren Jones, and freshman Chelsea Koglmeier, and anchored by some of the best play of the year by senior captain Emily Lapointe in the net, would allow nothing to get through.  The play of the half, if not the year, came with about 19 minutes left in the first half when a Cowboy shot was saved by an outstretched Lapointe.    That cranked up the rest of the Mariemont squad and they took control of the game.  Although we were outshot 8-4 in the half, Mariemont showed that they were not going to give in easily.  Both teams went into the break to regroup with a 0-0 deadlock.

The second period evened out in terms of possession, and the Wyoming defense had difficulty containing the Lady Warrior attack, led by sophomores Megan Groppe and Allo Perry.  Equal in shots for the half, it was Mariemont who made the biggest impact on the game.  The celebration erupted with :02 seconds to go in regulation when Groppe stormed in and poked a 50/50 ball under the Cowboy keeper into the net from 12 yards out.  The sideline official, however, signaled offsides, ending regulation with the 0-0 tie.

Knowing they had 20 minutes to play, the Lady Warriors buckled down for one of the greatest tests of the year.  The Cowboys, however jumped on a once in a career opportunity, when Amanda Klee pounced on the ball from 25 yards out and fired an unstoppable shot into the upper 90.  Mariemont held tough for the next 18 minutes, but could not find the back of the net for the equalizer.  The Lady Warriors' season ended with some heartache, but with a lot of pride.  They took the best to the limit, and firmly established themselves as one of the finest teams in Cincinnati, both in class and play.

2002 ARCHIVES

2001 ARCHIVES

2000 ARCHIVES

1999 ARCHIVES

Back to Women's Soccer Home