August 24, 2004
v. Badin, Top 3 Ranking

Badin came into tonight's game as one of the top teams, if not THE top team in Cincinnati Division II women's soccer.  Both teams were primed for a war.  To the victor belongs the spoils!

The Rams took immediate control of the game, pressuring the Mariemont defense as hard as we've seen to date.  Although only a few shots were allowed, one found the back of the net.  About 10 minutes into the match, Kellie Beadle connected on the end of a give and go, and slid one in the side netting to the take the 1-0 lead.  About 20 minutes in, play evened out and our Lady Warriors found some opportunities.  Sophomore keeper Jackie Weber came up with the save of the game when a Ram shot caromed off the crossbar and was recovered under major pressure at the far post, ending in a collision, but with Weber unharmed, ball safe in hand.  With 2 minutes to play in the half, we struck gold.  Junior forward Allo Perry took control of the ball about 40 yards out from a Ram goal kick, played a give and go to junior midfielder Kiersten Duffey, received it back and nailed the shot from 20 yards out over the Ram keeper.  The 1-1 score led both teams into the half with serious planning to do.

The second half started the way the first ended - an all out war.  Play became more physical, defenses became more intense, and attacks more dynamic.  Several opportunities fell short for both squads, and finally with about 5 minutes to play, our Lady Warriors' hard work paid off.  Senior midfielder Ashley McCracken served up the through ball from just across midfield to a sprinting junior striker Megan Groppe.  Ram keeper Heather Maus came out about 25 yards to intercept, wiping out Groppe and knocking the ball into open field.  Senior midfielder Kendall Miller, making the weak side run with Groppe, recovered back and launched the shot into the open goal to take the 2-1 lead, and notch her first official varsity goal.  The Warriors defense, anchored by seniors Virginia Holmes and Kathryn Kranitzky, played with more tenacity tonight than anytime in the last 7 years.  As time ran out, our Lady Warriors celebrated their first ever victory over Badin in fine fashion. 

Next up, our Warriors with attitude travel to CCD to take on the Indians Saturday at 3:00 PM in what should prove to be every bit the battle we saw tonight.  Way to go, Warriors!!

August 28 2004
v. CCD, Top 10 Ranking

A battle??  What an understatement!

In sweltering heat well into the 90's, conditions were set for a match of wills.  The tempo of the game began as a fast-paced footrace all over the CCD home field.  With Mariemont controlling much of the 1st half, it didn't stop the Indians from CCD from putting some attacks together, but outstanding performances by the back lines of both squads kept everything from finding the net.  One of the best chances for our Lady Warriors came about 30 minutes into the match when junior striker Allo Perry served up a ball to the far post.  Fellow striker Megan Groppe charging in full steam, just missed the diving header, but connected with the post.  As always, Groppe brushed herself off and regrouped for the next chance.  Through 40 minutes, both teams battled to take the 0-0 deadlock into the halftime break.

 The next half became much more physical, both teams frustrating the other.  The battle wore on in the midfield, with senior captain Ashley McCracken taking away most of the punch out of the Indian attack.  CCD put a scare into the Warriors when senior midfielder Betsy Jacobs, a preseason candidate for Player of the Year, broke behind the Mariemont defense.  The space was closed down by 3 Warriors, and sophomore keeper Jackie Weber (5 saves) came up with the save of the match.  As time went on, the exceptional condition of our Lady Warriors took its toll on CCD.  With about 4 minutes remaining, Mariemont put together about 10 consecutive passes to take the ball up field about 90 yards, ending with Perry slotting the ball to Groppe just missing wide of the frame.  Less than two minutes later, it happened.  Groppe dropped back to get the ball, and played it wide to an oncoming senior midfielder Ali Barnes.  Barnes took a touch to prepare, then rifled the shot to the far post, deflecting off an Indian defender, and into the back of the net, which is where it would have ended up, deflection or not.  The last two minutes was in the hands of the Mariemont defense, 11 players strong, and anchored by seniors Virginia Holmes and Kathryn Kranitzky.  Time expired, and our Warriors came out with victory, recording their 1st shutout of the season.

League play opens up Wednesday, September 1st at Madeira.  Go Warriors!!!

September 1, 2004
v. Madeira, Top 5 Ranking, CHL Rival

2003 ended in a 0-0 draw, one that would sting for a long time.  Tonight, with both teams gearing up for a run at the CHL title, they were prepared to lay it all on the line.

The Amazons from Madeira took immediate control of the game, moving the ball through the midfield and punishing the Warrior defense.  Their control equated to 5 shots in the first 10 minutes.  It was their 6th shot that dealt the heavy blow.  About 16 minutes into the match, Madeira took advantage of the disorganization of the Mariemont crew, and put one into the back of the net to take the quick 1-0 lead.  That was the kick in the pants the Warriors needed.  They settled down, regained control of the play, and with about 7 minutes to play in the half, their perseverance paid off.    Sophomore midfielder Karen Weber fed the ball through the Amazon defense to junior striker Megan Groppe, who drilled the shot pass the stunned keeper.  The 1-1 tie would last until half-time.

Mariemont took control in the 2nd half, and about 10 minutes in, they struck again.  Senior captain Ali Barnes served the ball up from about 35 yards out into the penalty box.  Groppe made contact, but it was fellow striker Allo Perry who connected for the score.  About 10 minutes later, Mariemont hit hard once again.  Junior defender Lauren Jones served the ball behind the Amazon defense to a hard running senior midfielder Kendall Miller, who nailed it at the goal, putting the Warriors up 2 goals with 20 minutes left to play.  Unfortunately, the lead didn't take the wind out of the Amazon sails like we would have liked.  Awarded a free kick from about 20 yards out, Amazon midfielder Abby Silberhorn drilled the shot just under the crossbar to pull within one.  Then, the heartbreaker.  With just over a minute left to play in the match, the Mariemont squad lost focus and allowed an unchallenged cross from near the end line.  Camped out at the far post were two Amazons waiting for the flighted ball, one putting it away to even the match 3-3.  That's where the game would end, and for the 2nd year in a row, a draw goes in the official scorebook.  A hard lesson learned, but a fantastic match by two of the top squads in Cincinnati. 

The Warriors now have a week to prepare for CHL rival Finneytown, who comes to Kusel next Wednesday at 7:00 PM.  JV will begin play at 5:00 PM.

September 8, 2004
v. Finneytown, CHL Rival

Mariemont prepared for Finneytown to throw everything they had at them - hard!  Let it be said, Hurricane Frances has nothing on the Warriors!!

The Wildcats came out at the opening whistle on fire, ready to knock off the top ranked team in Cincinnati Division II.  That lasted all of 7 minutes.  At 33:02, the Warriors would begin the most devastating 2 minutes of soccer this town has seen.  Junior defender Lauren Jones took the ball into space about 30 yards out from the Finneytown goal.  She found junior striker Allo Perry just inside the penalty area.  Perry muscled her way past the Wildcat defender and placed the shot into the near post net.  About a minute and a half later, the attack earned a corner kick.  Senior Kathryn Kranitzky served up the perfect ball, parried away by the Finneytown keeper, only to be nailed in from 6 yards out by junior striker Megan Groppe.  20 seconds later, it was Groppe again with the tally.  Jones once again served the ball up the touchline to a sprinting Perry.  Perry struck a perfect slotted ball to the far post, just out of reach of the Wildcat keeper to the blazing Groppe coming on frame from the far post for her second goal of the night.  Several more chances for the Warriors went just wide, including shots by Kranitzky and senior midfielder Ashley McCracken.  The domination would continue throughout the half and with 21 minutes remaining, Hurricane Groppe leveled the Finneytown defense.  Groppe crossed the ball into the box, where Perry wrestled for control just inside 12 yards.  Perry touched the ball back out to the side and Groppe stormed in, blasting a left footer into the roof of the net, notching her first hat trick of the season.  With a 4-0 lead, one might think the onslaught would slow down.  Not in Mariemont!  Senior midfielder Carrie Porter took a ball played up from the back, turned, and found junior midfielder Kiersten Duffey in open space.  Duffey touched the ball past the last defender, ran onto it and nailed the left footer from 17 yards out to the far side netting.  The 5-0 lead would take the Warriors very comfortable into the break.

As dominant as the Lady Warriors were in the first half, their finishing stalled in the second.  Still reeking havoc on the Finneytown side, Mariemont maintained possession in the attacking half for the better part of the period.  However, they could not find the back of the net.  It wasn't until 2:54 left in the match that their tenacity earned a penalty kick, which McCracken placed perfectly in the upper left side.  The 6-0 score lasted until the final whistle, with senior keeper Princess Tarrance (0 saves) notching her first shutout behind the stellar defensive play led by senior captain Virginia Holmes.   

The Warriors travel to Seven Hills on Saturday evening at 7:00 PM in what should be yet another war in this season to remember. 

September 11, 2004
v. Seven Hills, #9 Ranking

Avenging a 2-3 loss in 2003 was on the minds of the Warrior squad,  firing them up like we haven't seen yet this season.  Vengeance is what they wanted - vengeance is what they got!!

From the opening whistle, play was physical, fast paced, and extremely intense.  It was the Mariemont offense, however, that was causing the most problems for the opposition.  Continual attacks on the flanks, executed by seniors Ali Barnes and Kendall Miller, kept the Seven Hills squad running towards their own goal for much of the first half.  This resulted in several corner kick opportunities.  With 3:30 to play in the half, Seven Hills gave up one too many corners.  The ever-consistent Barnes served up a hard driven ball into the box.  Senior midfielder Ashley McCracken flicked the ball on to the far post, and junior striker Megan Groppe hit a side on rocket into the back of the net.  The 1-0 score would take the Warriors into half-time to plan for the next 40 minutes.

Seven Hills came out in the second half on a mission.  Mariemont midfielders McCracken, junior Kiersten Duffey, and senior Carrie Porter kept the pressure on the opposing midfield, thwarting nearly every opportunity for the Seven Hills attack.  The few times Seven Hills did get past the midfield crew, they then had to deal with one of the most dominant back lines in Cincinnati, led by seniors Virginia Holmes and Kathryn Kranitzky, junior Lauren Jones, and strongly supported by sophomores Chelsea Koglmeier, Karen Weber, and Leslie Foard.  Frequent attacks from Jones and Kranitzky kept the flanks lively and opportunities came again and again.  A few breakaways by Groppe, Duffey, junior striker Allo Perry and Miller were disrupted by fantastic saves by the Seven Hills keeper, and a couple near misses just wide of the frame.  The closest Seven Hills came to scoring was a bullet fired in from about 25 yards out to the far post.  Mariemont keeper Jackie Weber (8 saves) made a diving save, then recovered the parried ball about 12 yards out.  The final 3 minutes saw desperation from the Seven Hills side, but it was the Mariemont defense once again coming through to snuff out their last flames of hope.  The 1-0 score would hold to give the Lady Warriors their 3rd shutout of the season. 

The quest for the CHL title continues Tuesday at Kusel Stadium at 7:00 PM.  This will be a battle for the ages, one for which we are primed and ready! 

September 14, 2004
v. Wyoming, #6 Ranking

A battle??  With the #6 ranking, we knew the Cowboys from Wyoming would be a formidable foe.  A Mariemont team hadn't beaten them in at least 7 years.  Well, tonight our Warriors found a way!!

The first half saw Wyoming control the ball up and down the field, primarily for the better part of the first 25 minutes.  After Mariemont found their game, possession evened out and both teams had some opportunities to score.  Outshooting the home side 11-3, however, the Cowboys saw most of their chances from beyond the arc.  The Warriors gladly took the 0-0 deadlock into the half-time break to regroup. 

The pressure from the Cowboys continued into the 2nd period, but the solid back line of Mariemont, once again led by seniors Virginia Holmes and Kathryn Kranitzky, kept everything in front of them and out of danger.  Still being controlled by Wyoming, Mariemont had to make the most of their chances.  With 26 minutes left to play, they did just that.  Senior midfielder Kendall Miller took control of the ball and came outside to the touchline and played the perfect ball behind the Wyoming defense to the blazing junior striker, Megan Groppe.  Groppe took the ball about 16 yards out and fired the shot to the far post, just out of reach of the diving Cowboy keeper.  The ball caromed off the far post, bounced across to the near post and crossed the endline for the score.  Fellow striker Allo Perry ran the ball into the net for insurance, showing the determination that has carried these Warriors.  Energized, Mariemont was primed for the final 25 minutes.  Switching to a 4-5-1 formation, Mariemont slowed the attack from the Wyoming midfield, with seniors Miller, Ali Barnes, Ashley McCracken and junior Kiersten Duffey winning more control.  The Cowboy attack, however, did not stop.  They launched ball after ball over the top of the Warrior back line, and it was sophomore keeper Jackie Weber coming up big several times with the saves.  Groppe had a great chance with about 7 minutes remaining, firing from outside, hitting the far post.  It wasn't until 4:26 left in the match that the Warriors were able to put the icing on the cake.  McCracken took control of the ball in the Mariemont half of the field and played the long ball forward.  Misplayed by the Cowboy sweeper, Perry pounced on her mistake, ran the ball to the 12 and fired in the backbreaker over a sliding keeper.  With the score at 2-0, the Warriors bunkered down and played it out to the final whistle.  Stats show Wyoming outshooting Mariemont 23-11, but for the first time in 7 years, the Lady Warriors saw victory over Wyoming, as well as redemption from the 1-0 double overtime tournament loss handed to them 10 short months ago.  Congratulations, Warriors!!!

Roger Bacon is our next opponent, visiting Kusel Stadium this Saturday at 3:00 PM.  Another challenge for which we will be well prepared. 

September 18, 2004
v. Roger Bacon, #3 Ranking

A perfect day for soccer - sun shining, cool weather, two of the top teams in Cincinnati.  The only thing that wasn't perfect was the outcome. 

From the start, Mariemont took control of the game, controlling the midfield, and keeping the ball off the foot of Player of the Year candidate Chloe James.  Within the first 10 minutes, breakaways from junior strikers Megan Groppe and Allo Perry came up just short, both beating the keeper, but saved by a Trojan defender.  The onslaught continued with senior defender Kathryn Kranitzky and senior midielder Ali Barnes connecting several times for crosses into the box or creating corner kick opportunities.  The attack was quieted, however, about 21 minutes into the period, when Bacon made it through the midfield, served a ball from the left side, finding junior Hannah Lankford coming in the middle covered, but unchallenged, to head it into the net.  The 0-1 deficit, the first time this season our Warriors have been down, took them into half-time to rethink how to win this game. 

The second half picked up with play evening out, but with Mariemont controlling the tempo of the game.  Superb midfield play by junior Kiersten Duffey and senior  Ashley McCracken kept possession for the Warrior side in the middle of the field, and being backed up by the presence of senior Virginia Holmes and sophomore Karen Weber kept the confidence high and the attack out of the back strong.  More chances came for the Warriors, including a season high 10 corner kicks on the night.  None, however would connect with another attacker.  As time ran down, many teams would lose the desire to continue playing hard.  Not our Warriors.  For the third time this season, the final minutes would prove to be golden.  Kranitzky played the ball down line to Groppe from her own half.  Groppe ran onto the ball, took the Trojan defender baseline, cut inside, cut outside and with 1:13 remaining, roofed the shot for the game-tying tally.  That is where the scoring would end, and both teams walked away with some disappointment.  Bacon had a win over the #1 team in Cincinnati taken away from them.  Mariemont, outshooting Bacon 19-6 and controlling the better part of 80 minutes, had to settle for a tie.  But the fact that our Warriors once again refused to quit in the waning minutes shows the power and perseverance of this squad.  Nice job, Warriors!!

Mariemont travels to Indian Hill this Wednesday at 7:00 PM in a matchup of CHL powers.  Always a great match, this is one that should not be missed. 

September 22, 2004
v. Indian Hill, #5 Ranking

Always a battle, always emotional, always exciting.  Two of the top teams in Cincinnati squared off for 80 minutes of classic soccer.  The only bad thing - always one victor.

Indian Hill took control of the match from the start, with sophomore Brooke Rogers creating havoc on the Mariemont defense.  In the 33rd minute of the match, Rogers sliced through the usually impenetrable back four and rifled a shot past sophomore keeper Jackie Weber to take the 1-0 lead, which would hold until the half-time break.

Play evened out in the second half.  Final numbers show the Braves outshooting the Warriors 15-14, although it was the IH attack that proved stronger.  With nearly 30 minutes remaining in the match, the Braves took a 2-0 lead with a goal from senior Kaitlin Flood.  The Warriors added plenty of excitement when senior defender Kathryn Kranitzky cut the lead by 1 with about 21 minutes to play, launching a shot to the far post from about 20 yards out.  From there, neither defense would yield another goal.  Tremendous play by junior midfielder Kiersten Duffey, striker Allo Perry, and flank players Kendall Miller and Ali Barnes would not be enough to equalize the score.  And for the second year in a row, the Braves came away victors.

"Fight on my brave hearts.  I am a little wounded, but not slain.  I will but rest and bleed awhile, and then rise and fight again. . . "  from the Ballad of Sir Andrew Barton

Next up - Mt. Notre Dame at the Blue Ash soccer complex on Grooms Rd..  Game times are 5:00 for JV and 7:00 for Varsity.

September 25, 2004
v. Mt. Notre Dame, Div. I

One never knows just how a team will respond to their first loss of the season.  We found out - the hard way.

Mt. Notre Dame came into tonight's game to avenge a 1-4 drubbing in 2003.  They came out at the opening whistle ready to play.  They took early control of the match, but could not find the back of the net.  Both squads took the 0-0 deadlock into the break. 

Mariemont began the second half on a mission.  Scoring chances came from the outsides, with seniors Ali Barnes and Kendall Miller and sophomore Avery Braun providing the services, although none would be finished.  One of the best chances our Warriors had was when a ball was deflected to the middle of the Cougar penalty area with an onrushing junior midfielder Kiersten Duffey.  The ball skimmed off the crossbar, however, and the chance was gone.  About 15 minutes into the period, MND drove down the middle, played the ball to a wide flanker, who sailed her shot over the top of Mariemont keeper Jackie Weber and settled it into the far side net.  That would be where the scoring would end, and for the first time in 4 years, MND walked away victorious as our Warriors walked away licking their wounds.

Though we are still bleeding, we return to fight again Wednesday night at Taylor.  JV begins at 5:00 and Varsity at 7:00. 

September 29, 2004
v. Taylor, #8 Ranking

The first half of this much anticipated match was fairly even.  Taylor, however, tallied first.  Shortly thereafter, they notched another goal to take the 2-0 lead into the break. 

The second half saw a turnaround like none seen before.  Mariemont took total control of the match, allowing Taylor on their side of the field but 2-3 times.  With 27:25 remaining, senior Ali Barnes served up a perfect corner kick, which junior striker Megan Groppe nailed into the back of the net.  Unfortunately, the scoring would end there, and Taylor would come away victors.

October 4, 2004
v. Summit Country Day

It's difficult to write exciting game summaries when a top notch team is in such a rut.  Tonight was the night we were supposed to turn things back around and rise back to the top.  It didn't happen.

Summit did something tonight that Mariemont has failed to do for the last 3 games - showed up to play.  With about 5 minutes to play in the first half, the Silver Knights took the 1-0 lead, where the scoring would stand until half-time. 

The second half didn't look much different than the first.  Summit stayed in control, scored two more goals and walked away with the 3-0 victory, their first over Mariemont in 7 years. 

What has happened to our Lady Warriors?  We'll find out if they can find their hearts and get back to old form back home at Kusel Wednesday night against Reading at 7:00 PM

October 6, 2004
v. Reading, CHL Rival

Senior night.  A night dedicated to our senior athletes, where their 4 years of work culminates into one big dedication.  After dropping 4 straight games on the road, we found that we had to return to the comforts of home to find our hearts. 

Mariemont controlled the match from the opening whistle, with junior striker Megan Groppe unloading the first shot about 15 seconds in.  The much sought after goal, however, would not come.  Scoring chances by Groppe and junior Allo Perry were either shut down by some fine play by the Blue Devil keeper, or just missed by inches.  The midfield, led by seniors Ashley McCracken, Kendall Miller, Ali Barnes, and Carrie Porter came alive, keeping control of the ball, supporting both the backs and frontrunners, and organizing the play.  The 0-0 deadlock would take both squads into the break. 

The second half had what our Lady Warriors had been looking for - redemption.  Just under 3 minutes into the half, Barnes played the ball into the box from about 35 yards out.  Flicked on by Perry, an oncoming Miller closed it down at the far post, and put it away from 6 yards out.  The surge then began from a desperate Reading side, but the defensive effort, 11 players strong, and led by superb play by senior keeper Princess Tarrance refused to allow the ball into the net.  Two of the best chances for the Blue Devils were snuffed out by seniors Virginia Holmes and Kathryn Kranitzky from within 8 yards, who helped anchor the ferocious back line for the Warriors.  But it was Tarrance who prevented countless shots from ever leaving the Reading players' feet.  Freshman Chelsea Ferguson, in only her second game back from a 3 week sabbatical, spent the final 20 minutes of the match shutting down Reading's main scoring threat.  With the fans on edge, and the Mariemont bench on their feet, the final minutes proved to be gut wrenching.  With 12 seconds remaining, they put the icing on the cake when McCracken played a ball into space behind the Reading defense, finding Groppe in full sprint.  Groppe bolted down the left side, and from about 8 yards out, placed it into the low far post side net.  The 2-0 score held for the final 12 seconds, and the monkey was finally off the Warriors backs.  The seniors celebrated their night with a group hug, and a sigh of relief.  The Lady Warriors are back!!

October 9, 2004
v. Glen Este, Division I

Returning to Kusel field for their home finale, could the Lady Warriors rally to take their second straight victory?  You'd better believe they could!

Coaches were concerned after a "lax" warm-up.  The girls didn't seem prepared to go out and play.  Those concerns were stuffed aside in a hurry.  Mariemont immediately won control of the Trojan kickoff, played out to the right side where junior midfielder Kiersten Duffey took control, and bolted down the right side of the field.  Once behind the Glen Este defense, she crossed the ball into the box, finding fellow junior Megan Groppe 3 yards out for the finish, just 23 seconds into the match.  Mariemont would remain in control for the rest of the half, with scoring chances coming from flank services from seniors Ali Barnes and Kendall Miller.  The closest chance came with about 5 minutes remaining in the period when the Warriors won possession in the midfield, connected about 8 passes together, switched fields, finding Duffey on right flank.  She served up the cross again, where junior Allo Perry hit the first time volley right to a stunned Trojan keeper.  The 1-0 lead would hold through the break.

The second period saw Mariemont continue to control the match and punish the Glen Este defense.  The midfield combination of Duffey, senior Ashley McCracken and freshman Chelsea Ferguson shut everything down in the middle of the field.  The Mariemont defense, anchored by seniors Virginia Holmes and Kathryn Kranitzky kept Glen Este at bay, only allowing  6 shots on the afternoon.  The Lady Warriors would hold the 1-0 edge for the remainder of the match, giving them one final shutout at home during the regular season.  Special mention should be given to junior defender Lauren Jones, playing perhaps the finest soccer of her 3 years with Mariemont.  Nearly flawless play and relentless attacks from Jones and Kranitzky kept Glen Este from finding any room on their flanks.  Senior keeper Princess Tarrance (4 saves) notched her second straight shutout, and her third of the season.    

October 11, 2004
v. Walnut Hills, Div. I #4 Ranking 

The Lady Warriors knew they had their work cut out for them before they took the field at Walnut Hills.  Division I. . . #4 ranking. . . winless against them for 7 years running. . . on the road. . . needless to say, the odds were not in our favor. 

Perhaps the best team we've played in 7 years, Walnut Hills came out and took control of the game.  Although the Warriors played well, it simply wasn't good enough to take down the Eagles.  Half-time score was 3-0.  Walnut added a fourth goal in the 2nd half to make the final result 4-0. 

Our Warriors did not, nor should they, hang their heads.  As we have always believed, we can accept being beaten by a superior team, but we will not accept being outworked.  Walnut was a superior team tonight.  Our hats off to them and wish them the best.

The Warriors travel to Deer Park Wednesday evening for the regular season finale.  Kick off at 7:00 PM.

October 13, 2004
v. Deer Park, CHL Rival

On this chilly, rainy night, Deer Park celebrated the efforts of their senior class.  The power of the Warriors, however, dampened their evening.

About 4 minutes into the match, junior striker Allo Perry began the scoring with her first of two goals in what would become the most lopsided victory ever seen at Mariemont.  Scoring would come throughout the half from senior midfielder Ashley McCracken (2), and sophomore midfielder Karen Weber, recording her first varsity goal, to give the Warriors a 5-0 edge at the break. 

The second half started out slow, but about 18 minutes in, junior midfielder Kiersten Duffey picked up the scoring on a through ball played by senior midfielder Carrie Porter.  McCracken would add three more in the period to give her 5 on the night.  Tallies would also come from sophomore Avery Braun and senior Kendall Miller, who had two assists as well.  New to the scorers table were freshman Chelsea Ferguson, notching her first point on varsity, assisting McCracken on her second goal.  Sophomore Leslie Foard notched two assists on the night, serving up McCracken on two of her goals.  Final score - 11-0.

Tournament play begins next Thursday, October 21st against the winner of New Richmond and Seven Hills.  Game time will be at Kusel Stadium at 7:00 PM. 

Preparations have been made. . . the stage is set. . . the march to Columbus is underway!

October 21, 2004
v. Seven Hills, State Tournament

Avenging a 0-1 loss in our last matchup, the Stingers from Seven Hills were primed and ready to take down the mighty Warriors.  Yeah, right!

The first 10-15 minutes saw the power unleashed from the Seven Hills attack.  Sophomore keeper Jackie Weber, however, would allow nothing past her.  Stopping two shots from point blank range fired up the rest of the Mariemont side, and the tide soon turned in their favor.  With about 17:30 remaining in the half, junior striker Megan Groppe played fellow striker Allo Perry behind the defense.  Perry juked to her right, and placed the ball perfectly into the far post net to take the one goal lead.  Tenacious attacks from the flanks punished the back line of Seven Hills, but the 1-0 lead would stand into the break.

The final period began once again with Mariemont in control.  In desperation, and the middle of the field completely controlled by senior Ashley McCracken and freshman Chelsea Ferguson, the Seven Hills defense was left little choice but to play the ball out of bounds.  A little over a minute into the half, the Warriors capitalized.  Senior Ali Barnes served up the perfect corner and Perry charged in, finishing with authority into the back of the net.  Seven Hills continued to give everything they had, despite the 0-2 deficit, but could get nothing past the back line of seniors Virginia Holmes, Kathryn Kranitzky, junior Lauren Jones, and sophomores Chelsea Koglmeier and Karen Weber.  Jackie Weber, who finished with 9 saves on the night, made the play of the match with about 15 minutes remaining, diving and snuffing out a scoring chance at the near post.  The Warriors would put the final nail in the coffin with about 8:00 minutes remaining when Groppe took a ball played from Koglmeier out of the back, cut to her left and nailed a bending ball from 25 yards out into the near upper 90.  The 3-0 score would hold to the end, giving Mariemont their 8th shutout this season, and for the 7th straight year, advancing to the District Semifinals.  Well done, Warriors.  The fight has begun!!

October 25, 2004
v. Taylor, State Tournament

About 4 weeks ago, the Mariemont Warriors walked off the field at Taylor licking their wounds from a 1-2 defeat to the Lady Jackets.  Tonight, with vengeance on their minds, the outcome would be much, much different. 

Playing without senior captain Ashley McCracken proved to be one more adversity the Warriors would have to overcome.  One task they would have to perform very well would be to shut down Taylor's main threat Sara Schmidt.  Freshman Chelsea Ferguson and senior Kathryn Kranitzky combined for one of the finest defensive performances seen in years, anchored by senior Virginia Holmes and sophomore keeper Jackie Weber.  The midfield provided battles from both sides, but it was sophomore Karen Weber and junior Kiersten Duffey that provided the energy, winning balls and distributing behind the Taylor defense.  With about 15 minutes remaining in the first period, that energy struck gold.  Outside midfielder Avery Braun played junior striker Allo Perry into the attacking zone of Taylor.  Composed as always, Perry ripped a shot from about 25 yards out just under the cross bar, over an outstretched Jacket keeper to give the Warriors the 1-0 edge into the half-time break. 

The second half saw a surge from the Yellow Jackets, but the wrath of the Warriors would not give in.  The Mariemont defense continued to punish any offensive threats Taylor tried to bring their way.  Weber, who finished with 7 saves on the night, also continued to be impenetrable.  About half way through the period, the resilience of Mariemont paid off once again.  Junior striker Megan Groppe, providing the front line defense along with Perry and sophomore Leslie Foard, pounced on a ball being cleared by the Taylor sweeper, touching it behind the defense.  She was off to the races.  On her last touch before the shot, the ball got just far enough away for the Taylor keeper to make a play, but it was Groppe beating her to it, knocking it into the back of the net to take the 2-0 lead.  The defensive efforts by Mariemont held for the next 20 minutes, snuffing out every chance Taylor had.  In the end, Weber recorded her 6th shutout of the season, and the Lady Warriors advance to the District Championship for the 5th time in 7 years.  The fight continues Thursday evening at 7:00 PM in yet another rematch, squaring off against the Braves of Indian Hill.  This is one Championship you will not want to miss!!

October 28, 2004
v. Indian Hill, District Championship

As anticipated, the air was thick with excitement, matching two of the top teams in Cincinnati once again for a District Championship.  As with any championship game, only one team will walk away smiling - usually!

The match began with a hard fought battle, mainly in the midfield.  Mariemont changed up their style somewhat, assigning freshman defender Chelsea Ferguson the task of shutting down the Hill's top gun, Brooke Rogers.  It was the Mariemont offense that struck early on, however.  About 2 minutes into the game, junior striker Allo Perry took a ball played up to her from junior midfielder Kiersten Duffey, and hit a hard knuckler from about 18 yards out over a diving Sarah Wiggers, the Brave keeper.  The tally energized the Warriors, giving them the confidence they would need for the next 78 minutes.  The aggressive play worked against them.  Giving up a free kick from about 30 yards out, Indian Hill equalized on the direct kick, when Brave defender Sam Schoeny nailed it into the far upper corner.  Before the half, it was Rogers who scored what would eventually become the game winner.  Slicing through the Warrior defense, as no other player this season has been able to accomplish, Rogers placed the ball into the side net with about 10 minutes remaining in the half to give the Braves the 2-1 lead. 

The second half saw the battle move all through the midfield, with both teams hitting hard on the flanks.  Mariemont, led by seniors Ali Barnes and Kendall Miller, served up ball after ball, much as they did in the first period, only to be snatched by Wiggers.  Two of the best chances came late in the half, when junior Megan Groppe blazed into the final third of the field and let it rip to the near post, again to be saved by the Brave keeper.  Minutes later, Perry found the opportunity to rip the shot, but again, it was snuffed out by Wiggers.  The Braves would add two more goals in the half to give them the 4-1 lead, which would hold to the final whistle, giving the Braves their second straight District Championship. 

As stated all season long, this group of Warriors is special.  One might think they would be sobbing, hanging their heads after losing the District Championship.  One would be wrong!  The disappointment and sadness lasted all of about 2 minutes.  By then, the entire squad was wallowing in the mud pit, capping off a truly awesome season.  The joy these young ladies have for the game, and life in general, is a testament to their character.  They walked off the field knowing they had a season to remember, and one which they should be extremely proud.  Thanks, girls!!

2003 ARCHIVES

2002 ARCHIVES

2001 ARCHIVES

2000 ARCHIVES

1999 ARCHIVES

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