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August 22, 2005
v. Roger Bacon

Two of the premier soccer teams in Cincinnati Division II  squared off tonight to begin their regular seasons.  Last season saw a 1-1 draw.  2003 saw a 2-0 drubbing by Roger Bacon.  This year was a bit different.

With an insane pace setting the tone for the match, both teams put together several attacks, but even more impressive were the defenses they mounted.  The Warriors back four, led by senior captain Lauren Jones, junior Karen Weber, and sophomore Chelsea Ferguson, were as impressive as any defensive line Mariemont has ever produced.  They denied countless opportunities for the Spartans, and began many of the Warriors attacks.  One of those attacks paid off about 10 minutes into the first period.  Junior midfielder Avery Braun attacked down the right side of the field and fired a shot on frame.  The Spartan keeper mishandled the shot, and fellow junior midfielder Alex Jeske cleaned it up to give Mariemont the 1-0 edge.  Several minutes later, however, Bacon countered.  Junior striker Lauren Odom struck her shot from about 22 yards out to even up the score.  Shortly before the close of the first half, freshman Amy Sattergren took control of the ball, broke through the defensive line of Roger Bacon, and tucked one into the back of the net for her first career varsity goal, taking a 2-1 lead into the break.   

The second half looked much like the first - intense!  Tremendous play in the midfield by senior captain Kiersten Duffey kept the Warriors on the attack, with senior strikers Allo Perry and Megan Groppe leading the charge.  About midway through the 2nd period, however, Odom struck again.  Turning on a dime, striking from about 25 yards, she buried it in the upper 90 to even the score at 2-2.  The physical play continued, with neither team willing to give up.  This game came down to desire, and with about 6 minutes remaining in the match, the desire of the mighty Warriors paid off.  Duffey gained control in the midfield, and slotted the ball through to Groppe.  Once she gets behind a defense, there is no catching her.  The Spartan keeper came out, and may have even gotten a hand on the shot, but it ended up where so many have ended up before - in the back of the net.  The tenacity of the Warriors lasted through the final minutes, and as the final whistle blew, Mariemont came away with the 3-2 victory.

Special mention should be given to Mariemont keeper Jackie Weber, who played out of her mind tonight.  In addition to her 6 saves on the night, she shut down many scoring chances by coming off her line to clear the ball away.  What a performance!  Players of the match, however, were Karen Weber and Megan Groppe, for their exemplary performances on both sides of the ball.  Excellent job, Warriors!  Congratulations to all of the Warriors on a superior team effort in one of the most exciting wins in Mariemont history.  Next up, #2 ranked Badin on the 24th of August at Badin.  Another titanic matchup of two of the best Cincinnati has to offer. 

August 24, 2005
v. Badin, #2 city ranking

As good as we were against Roger Bacon, it wasn't enough to counter what Badin threw at us.

From the opening whistle, the Rams from Badin were in control of the match.  Our Warriors, however, were not without their chances.  Hard attacks on the flanks by junior Avery Braun, chances up the middle by senior strikers Megan Groppe and Allo Perry came close, but were snuffed out by the Badin defense.  The score at the half was deadlocked at 0-0.

The second half saw a bit more aggressive play by the Warriors, but about 10 minutes in, the Rams struck to take the 1-0 lead.  With about 10 minutes left to play, they iced it with another score off a set piece.  Final score:  2-0.  Special mention should be given to some outstanding performances by junior defender Karen Weber, and midfielders Alex Jeske and senior captain Kiersten Duffey.  This type of play is going to keep the Warriors among the top teams Cincinnati has to offer. 

The Warriors met their match tonight, but showed they are competitive with the best.  We return to fight again at Kusel Saturday night for our first Youth Soccer Night in the second match of a double header with CCD.  Game time 7:00 PM.  Don't miss it!!

August 27, 2005
v. CCD

We all remember the blistering heat a year ago, when Mariemont came away victors with the game-winning goal being scored by Ali Barnes in the final minute.  What a match!  Would we have a similar struggle tonight?

The opening whistle saw Mariemont take immediate control, setting the pace, and moving the ball around as well as they've done all year.  Attack after attack, led by senior strikers Allo Perry and Megan Groppe, found shots on frame, but they weren't finding the back of the net.  Finally, with just under 4 minutes to play in the first half, it happened.  Senior midfielder Kiersten Duffey took control of the ball and played it behind the Indian defense to Groppe in stride.  The last 40 yards belonged to her.  The keeper came out, but Groppe placed the ball into the far post side net to give the Warriors the 1-0 lead into the break. 

The second half looked slightly different than the first.  The Warriors slowed down their play, and CCD picked theirs up.  The best chance for Mariemont came from a cross from the right flank into the box.  Sophomore midfielder Elise Kubicki made the run, but just missed the finish.  Outstanding performances throughout the match by defender Chelsea Ferguson, midfielders Alex Jeske and Duffey, and forwards Groppe and Perry kept the game alive.  But it was the consistent play by freshman standout Amy Sattergren that kept control of the midfield, and the game out of reach for the Indians.  As the final whistle blew, Mariemont and junior keeper Jackie Weber (3 saves) notched their first shutout of the season.  An ugly win is always better than a pretty loss!  Good job, Warriors!

League play opens up at Reading this Wednesday at 7:00 (JV at 5:00).  Don't miss the first of seven matches on our quest for the CHL championship!

August 31, 2005
v. Reading

Always exciting, always unpredictable.  That sums up the match-up the Warriors face each year with Reading.  This year, however, the result was as predicted on the Warrior side - victory!

Mariemont assumed control of the match early on, pounding shot after shot on the Blue Devil keeper, while not giving up many themselves (11-2 in the first half).   The powerful part of that was that the Mariemont shots came from 9 different players!  One of the most exciting scoring chances came from a cross by junior midfielder Avery Braun with the diving header attempt by senior Allo Perry.  With about 18 minutes remaining in the half, it was Perry who found paradise.  Senior midfielder Kiersten Duffey played a perfect ball through to the feet of Perry, who cracked the left footed far post finish from about 10 yards out.  This 1-0 lead would hold the Warriors through the remainder of the half.

About 2 minutes into the 2nd half, the Warriors put another nail in the coffin for the Devils.  Senior Megan Groppe checked to the ball from about 25 yards out, spun inside and played another perfect ball to the feet of none other than Perry.  Perry collected, and nailed it into the far side netting from about 12 yards to give the Warriors the 2-0 edge.  The second half saw a few more opportunities by Reading, mostly on free kicks and corners.  The biggest scare for the Mariemont defense came on a great scoring chance inside the goal box, but junior keeper Jackie Weber (4 saves) stopped it just short of the goal line.  However, with about 10 minutes remaining, Reading made the game a little more interesting.  They managed a cross from the right side, and one of the two dynamic strikers for the Blue Devils nailed the first timer in, coming within a goal of the Warriors.  But it was the tenacity of the Warriors that proved to be the final blow for Reading.  Fighting until the final whistle, Mariemont held Reading at bay, and closed out the match with the 2-1 victory.  Player of the game?  Scoring two perfect goals will do it everytime - congratulations, Allo!

Next up - state runner-up Indian Hill next Wednesday at Kusel.  Don't miss what should be a titanic matchup between two of Cincinnati's best.

September 7, 2005
v. Indian Hill, #2 ranking

Two time defending state runner-up Indian Hill came to Mariemont in what was touted as an epic battle.  The #2 going against #4.  Gambling a bit with the lineup, Mariemont was prepared for the challenge.  It was not what we expected.

Uncharacteristic sloppy play by both sides marked the first half.  It was about 3 minutes in that Indian Hill capitaliized on a corner kick.  An unmarked defender for the Hill came forward and put away the service to take the 1-0 lead.  About midway through the half,  the gamble proved costly for the Warriors.  Sophomore Meredith Snow made her way through the middle of the park for the 2nd goal of the night.  Chances for the Warriors by seniors Megan Groppe and Allo Perry could not find their way past the tenacious Brave defense.  Snow, however, struck again moments later to give the Braves a comfortable 3-0 edge going into the break.

The second half saw play even out dramatically.  Neither squad could put together an effective attack.  Mariemont took control with about 20 minutes remaining in the match.  Several fouls gave the Warriors a breath of hope.  The closest came from about 25 yards out when sophomore Chelsea Ferguson struck the ball off the cross bar.  Finally, with about 7 minutes remaining, the Warriors hit the one they needed.  Junior Karen Weber struck a perfect bending ball around the Brave defensive wall, just out of reach of the keeper.  Other exciting chances came for the Warriors, with Groppe side footing one just within reach of the Brave keeper, and freshman Amy Sattergren heading one off the crossbar on a corner kick.  With the momentum in their favor, Mariemont remained in control, led by the midfield play by senior Kiersten Duffey and Sattergren.  The one goal would be all the Warriors would see, sending the Braves home with the 3-1 victory. 

Special mention should be given to outstanding play by freshman newcomer Sarah Dillman, who neutralized the Braves main scoring threat, 2004 Player of the Year Brooke Rogers.  But it was the patience and fortitude of senior defender Lauren Jones that kept this game from getting out of hand.  Great work, Warriors.  That's the play that will keep Mariemont competitive in every match. 

September 10, 2005
v. Oakwood

Traditionally, Oakwood is one of the stronger teams in Dayton.  With a competitive game against Alter, and a 1-0 win over Div. I Bellbrook, the Warriors expected yet another war.  It wasn't even a fist fight.

Twenty seconds into the match, junior midfielder Avery Braun set the tone for the match by taking a service from senior striker Allo Perry and striking it into the far side net from about 15 yards out.  Two minutes later, it was Perry finding glory.  Nailing a shot from 12 yards out, the Oakwood keeper made the save, but it wasn't enough to keep Perry from finishing it with her 2nd effort.  About 5 minutes later, Perry put away another off a perfect service on a corner kick by junior Karen Weber, giving the Warriors a quick 3-0 lead.  The scoring would not end there.  Play settled down a bit as Mariemont worked to keep possession.  But with 14 minutes remaining in the half, it was none other than Perry who knocked in another corner from Weber.  Less than four minutes later, the Warriors struck again.  Guess who?  Yep, it was Perry.  Collecting a ball played in by junior midfielder Allie Dilbone, Perry finished with authority from about 14 yards out.  Fellow striker Megan Groppe got into the action with about 5 minutes remaining, putting one in the far side net from beyond the 12 off a well-placed ball by senior midfielder Kiersten Duffey.  The 6-0 score would take the Warriors into the break, concluding one of the most productive halves in Mariemont history. 

The second half looked much like the first, with the Warriors striking about 8 minutes in.  Groppe served up Duffey for a textbook header from about 5 yards out.  Roughly 5 minutes later, Dilbone tallied her first varsity goal with a perfect strike from 12 yards away, with freshman striker Aggie Howland recording her first varsity assist.  Just when Oakwood thought it couldn't get much worse, they gave up another corner.  On the service from Weber, an Oakwood defender knocked it in for the own goal.  Groppe would end the onslaught on yet another picture-perfect header, this time served up by Duffey.  Final score: 10-0.

The scoring by the Warriors only tells half the story for this match.  The Mariemont defense showed unbelievable tenacity, holding Oakwood to only 3 shots on the night.  The exceptional effort, anchored by senior Lauren Jones and sophomore Chelsea Ferguson, helped secure the shutout for junior keepers Jackie Weber (0 saves) and Leslie Foard (2 saves).  Just the match we needed to get primed for CHL rival Madeira on Wednesday at Kusel Stadium.  Will we have our war? 

September 14, 2005
v. Madeira, #2 city, #4 state ranking

A war?  The Amazons from Madeira came to Kusel with a 6-0-1 record, and boasting a #2 city ranking, and #4 state ranking.  They were prepared for battle, but so were the Warriors.

These two titans of Div. II soccer engaged in one of the finest slugfests in recent history.  The Warriors had their hands full containing the freshman duo up top, and Player of the Year candidate Kate Drummond.  But freshman defenders Sarah Dillman and Amy Zepf, who was named Player of the Game, sophomore Chelsea Ferguson, and senior captain Lauren Jones were up to the task.  They shut down countless opportunities by Madeira, but with about 15 minutes remaining, the Zons punched one in.  The initial shot by Drummond was parried away with the save of the year by junior keeper Jackie Weber, but Madeira, using their unbelievable speed, took advantage of the second chance and put it away, giving them the 1-0 edge.  Although the goal took a bit of wind out of the Mariemont sails, ultimately, all it really did was make the Warriors mad.  The play in the midfield picked up, at times controlled by Madeira, and others by Mariemont.  Finally, with about 3 minutes left to play in the half, the Warriors struck.  Ferguson took control of a throw in by herself in the middle of the pitch.  Finding space in front of her, she juked her defender not once, but twice before pushing forward and burying the shot from 18 yards out for her first varsity goal.  The 1-1 deadlock would take both squads into the break with some serious planning to do.

The 2nd half saw a rejuvenated Warrior side assume control.  The Zons had some chances, but none that threatened the tenacity of the Mariemont defense.  Brilliant play through the midfield, led by senior Kiersten Duffey, junior Alex Jeske, and freshman Amy Sattergren kept play in the Warriors control throughout the half.  With about 2:30 remaining, the tenacity paid off.   Junior midfielder Karen Weber took control about 35 yards out, and played out wide to Sattergren.  Sattergren took a touch forward and served it up from 30+ yards, finding senior striker Megan Groppe on the run, who headed it just out of reach of the Amazon keeper.  The remaining couple of minutes were in the hands of the Mariemont defense.  Every ball was swarmed by the Warriors, and any chance of a miracle goal snuffed out.  Mariemont held on to win 2-1, sending the Zons home with their first defeat of the year.  A well deserved victory in an all star effort by the Warriors. 

Next, we travel to Dayton to take on Greenon Saturday night.  Let's bring home another winner!!    

September 17, 2005
v. Greenon

An hour and a half drive to the middle of nowhere always leaves one wondering "what's going to happen tonight?"  It's a first half many of us will want to forget.

The Greenon Knights surprised the Warriors, not only with their size and speed, but also with their skill.  Controlling the better part of the first half, the Knights threatened the Mariemont defense, and snuffed out many opportunities.  Senior forward Megan Groppe and freshman midfielder Amy Sattergren led the Mariemont attack, putting 6 shots on frame, only to be stopped by the Greenon defense.  With less than two minutes to play in the half, however, the Warriors saw a bit of light come into their night.  With Sattergren pounding away at the goal, it was junior midfielder Alex Jeske that took control of the ball on the left side, drove up the end-line, and tucked it away to the near post past the diving keeper.  The 1-0 edge was what the Warriors needed to relieve the stress of the first 40. 

The Warriors assumed control of the match, although Greenon was not without their chances.  The Warrior defense, however, proved to be too much for the Knights.  Led by junior keeper Jackie Weber (4 saves), senior Lauren Jones and freshman Sarah Dillman, later named Player of the Game, the Warriors held Greenon to just 5 shots on the night.  On the offensive side of the ball, the Warriors took advantage of their momentum.  With about 17 minutes to play, Jeske took control in the midfield and played the ball in front of sophomore midfielder Chelsea Ferguson, who glided down the middle of the pitch, past the last defender, and ripped a scorcher.  The Knight keeper made the save, only to have it knocked in from 10 yards out by Ferguson.  With just under 4 minutes to play, Mariemont put the final nail in the coffin for Greenon.  Junior defender Leslie Foard took control of the ball in the midfield and played down line to junior Avery Braun.  Braun crossed from about 5 yards off the end-line, and Sattergren muscled it in for the tally.  Final score:  3-0.

Next up - Seven Hills at Kusel, Monday night at 7:00 PM, JV plays at 5:00.

September 19, 2005
v. Seven Hills

Monday games are never an ideal situation for either side involved.  One just never know what to expect.  What we have come to expect from the Warriors, however, is victory.

The first half was. . . well, it wasn't pretty.  Neither side could produce much of an offense (2 shots for Mariemont, 1 for Seven Hills), with the majority of the play being contained in the midfield.  Seven Hills threatened the Mariemont D, but the back four, led by senior Lauren Jones and junior Karen Weber, gave nothing up.  Sophomore midfielder Elise Kubicki came close to putting one away for the Warriors, but her shot went up and over the cross bar.  Things changed with about 5 minutes remaining in the half.  Mariemont took control about midfield and worked the ball around the back.  Freshman defender Amy Zepf connected with fellow freshman Aggie Howland, who one touched the ball into the path of junior midfielder Avery Braun.  Braun served in the cross and senior captain Kiersten Duffey knocked in the first timer for her second goal of the season, giving her Warriors the 1-0 edge going into the break.

The second half saw the Warriors assume control, and not relinquish until the final whistle.  About four minutes into the period, Mariemont iced the Stingers for their second tally of the night.  Weber took control (again) at midfield, and played a picture perfect ball to the feet of senior striker Megan Groppe.  Groppe juked the last defender to her left, and put it away from about 10 yards out.  Mariemont would continue to shut down every opportunity Seven Hills could muster, and created some their own along the way.  The closest came from about 25 yards out when Groppe rocketed a shot towards the upper 90, but the Stinger keeper made the save of the night to parry it out of play.  The 2-0 score would hold until time ran out, and Mariemont, anchored by keeper Jackie Weber (2 saves) would record their fourth shutout of the season.  An exemplary effort by the Warriors, playing inspired soccer.  Well done!!  Player of the Game honors were shared tonight by Karen Weber and Megan Groppe, displaying heart and desire on both sides of the ball.

September 21, 2005
v. Finneytown, CHL rival

As tough as the CHL is every year, each team comes equipped with their share of surprises.  The Finneytown side had our Warriors guessing for longer than expected. 

For the first time in years, Finneytown came out of the gates on fire and dominated the Warrior squad.  Overloading one side, the Wildcats kept the Warriors off balance and on their heels for the first 10 minutes of the match.  Their luck ran out, however, when junior midfielder Karen Weber played the ball in behind the Finneytown defense just past the mid-stripe to an onrushing senior, Megan Groppe.  Groppe took the ball the rest of the way and tucked it in for the tally.  About 7 minutes later, it was senior Kiersten Duffey finding Groppe.  Again, the veteran took it all the way in for her 2nd of the night.  Freshman striker Aggie Howland notched her first varsity goal when Weber served up a perfect corner kick with about 18 minutes remaining the half.  Before the half would end, the Warriors would see goals off breakaways by junior Avery Braun and yet another by Groppe to give the Warriors a 5-0 lead.

The Warriors took immediate control of a stunned Wildcat squad to start the 2nd period.  It wasn't until about 13 minutes remained in the match that Mariemont hit another home.  Duffey attacked up the middle, but when the ball was knocked away, Braun looked up and saw the keeper off her line and hit the bomb from about 40 yards out.  With roughly 8 minutes remaining, Groppe took the ball down the right side, and crossed the ball in to senior Lauren Jones.  The Wildcat keeper made the save of the night, but could not hold on to the deflection.  Groppe, following her cross in, collected it and ripped the left footer from about 12 yards out for her fourth of the night.  Final score:  7-0.  Player of the Game honors went to Groppe. 

The Warriors travel to Wyoming next Wednesday to battle for their share of the CHL title.  The matchup should prove to be one of the best of the season.   

September 29, 2005
v. Wyoming, #5 ranking

The scouting report on the Cowboys was that a traditionally tough team was going to come out ready to fight.  A fight to the finish is what it was!

Playing a somewhat unorthodox style of bang and run, Wyoming kept the Warriors on the run much of the first half.  Many of their attacks, however, couldn't  produce anything on the stingy Mariemont defense, which only allowed two shots in the half.  They were led by the vision and control of junior Leslie Foard and senior Lauren Jones.  About 25 minutes into the match, one of those two shots drew first blood.  The shot from long range hit off the post, ricocheted  across the frame, and was put away by the aggressive Cowboy attacker.  This only fired up the Warriors.  With shots coming from all sides, it was senior Megan Groppe who finally got through.  With 20 seconds remaining in the half, junior Karen Weber notched her 8th assist of the season playing Groppe into the Wyoming defense.  With grit and determination, and some help from freshman forward Amy Sattergren, Groppe muscled her way past the Cowboy sweeper, rifled a shot from 18 out, then cleaned up the deflection on the tremendous save to tie the match 1-1. 

The second half saw the defense step up on both sides.  With about 20 minutes remaining, Mariemont got a break with aggressive flank play and earned their 6th corner kick of the night.  Weber served up another perfect ball, and freshman Aggie Howland put away her 2nd goal in two games to give the Warriors the 2-1 edge.  Two minutes later, Wyoming capitalized on one of the few corners they had to even things up at 2-2.  For the remaining 18 minutes, both teams fought for the chances at the net, but neither would find it, with the Warriors earning their first draw of the season.  Player of the Match honors went to Howland, who was dynamic on both sides of the ball.  A well-played match against an always quality opponent.  Nice job, girls!!

The Warriors visit CHCA Saturday, October 1st at 3:00 PM.  JV plays at 1:00 PM. 

October 1, 2005
v. CHCA, #6 city ranking

Coming into today's match, the Eagles from CHCA had not been defeated.  They had chalked up quality wins over CCD, Summit, and tied the likes of Wyoming and Princeton.  The Warriors had their work cut out for them.

The first half for the Warriors could be summed up many ways.  The simplest way to describe it - ugly.  Neither team could muster a quality attack, with Mariemont barely holding the edge in shots 4-3.  But it was the Eagles who capitalized first.  With about 13:40 remaining in the half, CHCA jumped on a ball that bounced one too many times in the penalty area.  The Eagle took a big touch past senior defender Lauren Jones, and put it away for the score.  Minutes later, they pounced on a 2nd chance given to them by the Warriors.  They took the comfortable 2-0 lead into the half. 

In the second half, the Warriors made a 180 degree turn, taking complete control of the match.  We saw the inspired soccer that has kept the Warriors at the top of high school soccer in Cincinnati.  Holding CHCA to only two shots in the half, led by the defensive efforts by juniors Leslie Foard and Karen Weber, and sophomore Chelsea Ferguson, is only part of the story.  The rest came from the play by seniors Kiersten Duffey and Megan Groppe.  About midway through the period, the Warriors earned a free kick.  Ferguson served up a perfect ball behind the Eagle defense, dropping it right at Groppe's feet.  That's all it took for Groppe to put it away to pull within one.  Three minutes later, Weber played the ball up the touchline to Groppe, who took it baseline, and blistered a shot/cross off an Eagle defender to even the match.  The remaining 18 minutes remained in the control of the Warriors.  Chances by freshman Amy Sattergren, senior Allo Perry, and two by Weber, including one in the final seconds, came up short of the net, due in large part by the goalkeeping of the Eagles.  Final score:  2-2.

The "refuse to lose" attitude, and the will to fight until the final whistle showed the character of the 2005 Warriors.  Although Player of the Match honors went to Foard, the two goal comeback was the result of a Warrior squad 18 players strong. 

The Warriors host CHL foe Deer Park at Kusel this Wednesday as we recognize our seniors for all of their efforts - a game you won't want to miss. 

October 5, 2005
v. Deer Park

Senior night is all about the seniors.  What a way these Warriors found to honor them!

After a somewhat slow start, the Warriors went on a roll that wouldn't stop until the final whistle.  Junior midfielder Allie Kehoe scored her first goal of the season about 20 minutes into the match.  The goal of the night came minutes later when junior midfielder Alex Jeske sliced through the Wildcat midfield, juked a couple of defenders, and ripped the shot from 18 yards out for the tally.  Goals by seniors Kiersten Duffey and Megan Groppe (2) took the half-time score to 5-0. 

The second half was taken over by the seniors, with Duffey resuming the rout.  Groppe recorded the hatrick shortly after, followed by a textbook score by fellow senior Allo Perry.  Freshman striker Aggie Howland got in on the action with roughly 10 minutes remaining on a feed by senior defender/striker Lauren Jones.  Then, the highlight of the evening. . . junior midfielder Avery Braun played a ball to the top of the penalty area, finding Jones poised for what was to come.  With a touch to give her just enough room, Jones turned and hit her shot up and over the Deer Park keeper, just under the crossbar.  The goal was Lauren's first of her exemplary career, and as expected the crowd, and her teammates went nuts.  After junior midfielder Allie Dilbone finished the scoring with 30 seconds remaining, the team doused Jones, who was named Player of the Match, with the water cooler.  What a fitting end to a perfect night for our leaders.  Thanks, Warriors.  You make us all proud.

The Warriors travel to Columbus to take on state ranked Bexley this Saturday. 

October 8, 2005
v. Bexley, #7 state ranking

One of the best teams in Ohio, year in and year out - the Bexley Lions.  Hosting the Warriors turned out to be more than they expected, but when all was said and done, there is a reason why they are one of the best - they find a way to win.

The Lions struck first after about 6 minutes of controlling the play, keeping the Warrior defense on their heels.  A miscue at the top of the box allowed all the room the Bexley striker needed to poke one in outside of junior Jackie Weber's reach.  Down 0-1, the Warriors came alive.  After a couple of close chances by senior strikers Megan Groppe and Allo Perry, freshman Amy Sattergren collected the ball and nailed one into the upper 90.  The officials, however, saw a phantom handball and disallowed the goal.  Minutes later, the Warriors executed perfection.  Playing out of the back, sophomore Elise Kubicki found junior Allie Kehoe out wide.  Kehoe hit the first time service behind the Bexley defense, finding none other than Groppe who put it away from a tough angle low and to the far post.  Sattergren put away her second goal of the night shortly before the half, but again, the officials blew it.  Apparently seeing a ghost in an offsides position (as film confirms no Warrior was offsides), the officials disallowed yet another, forcing the Warriors to settle for the 1-1 tie going into the break. 

Mariemont continued to control the better part of the second half, thanks to the dynamic play by senior midfielder Kiersten Duffey, and sophomore Chelsea Ferguson.  But Bexley had the guns to create some chances.  After earning a corner kick, the ball was played to the near post, and inadvertently knocked in by Weber.  About 10 minutes later, they capitalized again on a Warrior mistake to take the 3-1 lead.  Weber came up huge a couple of times to keep the score close.   Although the Warriors battled to the end, they couldn't come up with another score.  Player of the Match - Kiersten Duffey,  

3-3 or 3-1. . . it doesn't matter.  The Warriors have only been beaten this season by the #1, #5, and #7 ranked teams in Ohio, and have proven over and over they are a legitimate contender.  Two more regular season games, the next next Monday at Glen Este, and the Warriors are ready to begin their tournament quest. 

October 10, 2005
v. Glen Este

Every team, at some point, plays a game in which they dominate for 80 minutes, but walk away on the wrong side of victory.  Welcome to Glen Este.

The Warriors took advantage of their speed and strength and punished the Glen Este defense all night long.  Mariemont senior Megan Groppe actually scored early on, but the goal was called back due to a foul on the play.  Minutes later, the Trojans found their way through the Mariemont defense and took the 1-0 lead.  At the 16:00 minute mark, senior Allo Perry took a service from junior midfielder Allie Kehoe, turned and put away the equalizer.  With just under 10 minutes to play in the half, however, the Trojans were in the right place at the right time, enjoying their 2nd goal off a deflection of a Mariemont clear.  With the Warriors down 1-2 at the break, yet outshooting Glen Este 16-3, they had some regrouping to do. 

Mariemont continued to control every aspect of the match in the 2nd half, not allowing a shot, and producing 11 more of their own.  Defensive efforts were exceptional, led by senior Lauren Jones, junior Leslie Foard, and sophomore Chelsea Ferguson.  Groppe finished one of the 9 corners the Warriors earned on the night, but again was disallowed by the officials for a phantom foul that video confirmed did not exist.  The rest of the Mariemont shots created found their way to the keeper's hands every time, and the Trojans were able to sneak away with the 2-1 win. 

Are the Warriors seeing a slump for the first time this season?  Absolutely not!  Although poor officiating has determined the outcome of the last two matches, the Warriors are playing as well as anyone.  The war continues this Wednesday as the Warriors host CHL rival Taylor at 7 PM to conclude the regular season.   

October 12, 2005
v. Taylor, #9 city ranking

The Mariemont/Taylor game is one of the most anticipated battles of the season.  Both teams get as primed for this match as any other, and for the last couple of years, Taylor has been the victor of regular season play.  But as the saying goes, change is good!

The three front for the the Yellow Jackets, combined with aggressive play, caused several problems for the Warriors.  It paid off for them as they jumped to the early lead about 9 minutes in off a free kick from 25 yards out.  Although Taylor continued to keep the Warrior defense on their heels, the Warriors had something else in mind.  Senior midfielder Kiersten Duffey took the ball out of the air, heading onto striker Allo Perry.  Perry put the ball into space right in front of fellow striker Megan Groppe, who took a touch to her left, and put away the equalizer to the low far post from 20 yards out with about 21 minutes remaining in the half.  The rest of the half was battled back and forth through the midfield, with both sides threatening, but neither able to take the lead.  The Warriors went into the break tied 1-1 with some serious refocusing to do.

With a better idea of how to counter Taylor's game plan, the Warriors took control of the 2nd half in typical Mariemont style. The Warrior midfield, led by Duffey, freshman Amy Sattergren, and sophomore Chelsea Ferguson, produced on both sides of the ball.  for 25 minutes, the battle raged, with both sides having chances on goal.  With about 14 minutes remaining, the Warriors unleashed just one more weapon in their arsenal.  After earning a corner kick, sophomore Elise Kubicki served in a perfect ball, where Duffey held her ground and headed it home for the back breaker.  Impressively, that would be the start of perhaps the finest 15 minutes of soccer we've seen this year.  With roughly 9 minutes remaining, Ferguson cleared the ball forward from the midstripe.  Brought down by Sattergren, the ball was played into Perry on the run.  With the ball redirected to the left side, none other than Groppe took one touch to prepare, then ripped the near post shot from about 8 yards away for the 3-1 lead.  Tenacious defense on the Mariemont side, led by the solid goal tending by junior Jackie Weber, and the marking efforts of Leslie Foard and Amy Zepf, kept the Yellow Jackets from any further chances.  The Warriors, however, were not finished on the other end of the pitch.  Near misses by Perry and junior midfielder Karen Weber kept the Taylor keeper busy, and with :35 seconds left, the mighty Warriors struck once again.  Perry muscled her way up the endline, putting the ball on frame.  Although Taylor's keeper got her hand on the ball, it wasn't enough to keep Groppe from putting away her third goal of the night.  The final whistle blew, and Mariemont ended their regular season with the hard fought victory. 

The Warriors take the momentum and a 10-4-2 record into tournament play next Thursday against the winner of Felicity and Ripley-Union at Kusel Stadium.  Don't miss the excitement as the Warriors begin their tournament run.

October 20, 2005
v. Felicity

Taking the pitch with the confidence they've had all season, the Warriors matched up with Felicity with one thing in mind - victory.

Junior midfielder Karen Weber set the tone early on, finishing a cross by fellow junior Avery Braun to take a quick 1-0 lead.  Less than two minutes later, senior striker Allo Perry nailed one home from 18 yards out off a feed by freshman midfielder Amy Sattergren.  Braun got into the scoring action with 16:00 to play on another feed by Sattergren, firing a bullet from 25 yards out.  Perry took yet another assist from Sattergren to give the Warriors a comfortable 4-0 lead at the break.

The second half didn't get any better for Felicity.  Senior striker Megan Groppe popped one in about 4 minutes in, and shortly after, Sattergren put one away on a feed by senior Kiersten Duffey.  Freshman Aggie Howland finished the scoring on a corner kick service by Weber.  Final score:  7-0.  Junior keeper Jackie Weber didn't have to make a save all night, thanks in large part to the defensive efforts of the Warrior back four:  senior Lauren Jones, junior Leslie Foard, sophomore Chelsea Ferguson, and freshman Amy Zepf.  The shutout was Weber's 7th of the season.  Player of the Game honors went to Braun, who has consistently performed beyond expectations.  Tonight was just another stellar night for the magnificent midfielder. 

The Warriors advance to the Sectional Championship Monday night against Wyoming at Anderson HS at 7:00 PM.

October 24, 2005
v. Wyoming (District Semifinals)

The Cowboys and the Warriors battled to a 2-2 draw in the regular season.  Every player and every coach knew what this game would come down to - desire.

From the opening whistle, Wyoming took charge of the match and owned the Warriors.  Beating them to every ball throughout the midfield, they kept the pressure on the Mariemont defense in their half of the field.  The defense of the Warriors, however, led by the senior leadership of captain Lauren Jones and solid marking by junior Leslie Foard and freshman Amy Zepf, only allowed 3 shots in the half.  Unfortunately, that was all Wyoming needed to put a dent in the Warrior armor.  With just under 19 minutes in the half, senior forward Amanda Klee nailed the strike from about 20 yards out to the far post.  Three minutes later, she struck again to give the Cowboys the 2-0 lead.  Did this mean the end for our Warriors?  Not a chance!!  With just under 10 minutes to play, the Warriors regained their composure and started to mount their own attacks.  Chances by junior midfielder Alex Jeske and senior Megan Groppe created some problems for the Cowboy defense, but were saved by the Wyoming keeper.  Then, with about 10 seconds remaining, Groppe took a service from junior Karen Weber and put it away to the near post to pull within one going into the half-time break. 

With the momentum in their favor, the Warriors capitalized.  Their offense picked up and they took control of the midfield, led by senior Kiersten Duffey and junior Alex Jeske.  Sophomore defender Chelsea Ferguson started coming forward, as well, creating more opportunities for the Warriors.  With about 25 minutes left in the match, Groppe took advantage of another service, this one by junior Avery Braun, and put away the equalizer past an outstretched keeper.  The battle raged for the remainder of the period, ending regulation deadlocked at 2-2. 

With a sudden victory situation, the Warriors knew what they had to do.  Continuing to control the tempo, the Warriors mounted one attack after another.  Finally, with about 5 minutes left, Mariemont had the chance they needed.  With a free kick from about 30 yards out, Ferguson served it up into the box.  Knocked back into the air, up for grabs, it was Groppe getting to it first, putting away the volley from about 8 yards out for the score.  Her third of the night, Groppe eclipsed the single season scoring mark set by former coach Katie Porter, and tied her for the all-time mark.  Even more importantly, it advanced the Warriors to their second straight District Championship, and their 5th in 6 years.  This Warrior squad is something to see.  Don't miss them as they go to war with Madeira on Thursday night at Norwood at 7:00 PM.

October 27, 2005
v. Madeira (District Championship)

Making it to the District Championship has become the standard for the Lady Warriors.  Winning has been another story.

The match began with Madeira taking immediate control.  Cincinnati's Division II Player of the Year Kate Drummond sliced through the Warrior defense and put Madeira up a goal within 45 seconds.  Though they dominated play, the Warriors attack is tough to stop.  About 8 minutes into the match, senior Allo Perry played a ball square to fellow striker Megan Groppe.  Groppe touched the ball to her left, pushed it passed the one defender in her way, and ripped the left-footer into the lower near-post for the equalizer, giving her the career scoring title for Mariemont soccer.  The battle continued with Mariemont defending relentlessly in their own half of the field, holding off any quality scoring chances.  With just over 2 minutes to play in the half, however, the Zons put one in to take the lead.  With under a minute to play in the period, the Warriors took advantage once again.  Junior midfielder Karen Weber collected the ball on the left side, juked her defender, and served it up from about 20 yards out.  Perry saw the Madeira keeper off her line, and chipped it up and over for another equalizer. 

With the score deadlocked at 2-2, both teams came out in the 2nd half primed for another war.  Play evened out somewhat, but the Madeira attack continued to threaten the virtually impenetrable defense of the Warriors.  Perhaps the closest chance for the Warriors came on a near finish from about 8 yards out by junior Allie Dilbone that went just wide of the frame.  As time expired, the Warriors entered their second straight overtime with the 2-2 tie. 

With both teams prepared for 15 minutes of sudden victory, the battle raged.  However, the overtime didn't last long.  In less than a minute, the officials awarded a free kick to the Amazons from about 40 yards out, and after a scramble in the goal box, the Zons poked it in for the win. 

Ending their season at 12-5-2, the best record ever for Mariemont soccer, the Warriors displayed tonight the class and style that has become a part of the program.  This team, led by seniors Groppe, Perry, Kiersten Duffey, and Lauren Jones, showed what it means to leave everything on the field by playing with the heart and desire that sets the stage for seasons to come.  It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of their lives and successes.  Well done, Warriors!!  You should be proud!
 

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