After a wild preseason, the Warriors are ready to roll.  With a strong performance in the Southern Ohio Challenge, a decisive victory over eastern Ohio power Riverview, and a strong showing against Alter (one of the top teams in the state), we knew this season would be surprising.  We then played an unusual game against Cardinal Mooney from Youngstown, and pulled out a somewhat awkward 2-1 win over a strong alumni team.  Keep up with the Warriors and their remarkable season right here with the Game Summaries.   
 

click on a date

 

August 21, 2006
v. Roger Bacon, #6 city ranking

August 23, 2006
v. Badin, #1 city ranking
August 26, 2006
v. CCD, #10 city ranking
     
August 30, 2006
v. Finneytown, CHL rival
September 6, 2006
v. Wyoming, #8 city ranking, CHL rival
September 9, 2006
v. Oakwood, #4 Dayton ranking
     
September 11, 2006
v. CHCA, #4 city ranking
September 13, 2006
v. Indian Hill, #2 city ranking, CHL rival
September 16, 2006
v. Springfield Greenon
     
September 18, 2006
v. Seven Hills, #2 city ranking
September 20, 2006
v. Reading, CHL rival
September 23, 2006
v. Summit Country Day
     
September 27, 2006
v. Taylor, #7 city ranking, CHL rival
October 4, 2006
v. Madeira, #5 ranking, CHL rival
October 7, 2006
v. Bexley, #6 state ranking
     
October 11, 2006
v. Deer Park, CHL rival
October 19, 2006
v. Williamsburg, State Tournament
 
     

 

August 21, 2006
v. Roger Bacon, #7 city ranking

After an inconsistent preseason, we weren't quite sure what to expect from the Warriors.  We did, however, know one thing.  It was going to take 80 minutes of battle to put away the Spartans.

The game began at an incredible pace, with both teams putting together quality attacks.  The Warriors, led by senior midfielders Karen Weber and Alex Jeske, senior defender Leslie Foard, and 3rd year keeper Jackie Weber, allowed nothing through an infamous defense.  About 14 minutes into the match, the patience paid off.  Junior midfielder Chelsea Ferguson took a 50//50 ball out of the air about 30 yards out from goal, and played sophomore striker Amy Sattergren into dangerous territory.  Sattergren took one touch to juke the last defender, then put the left footed finish away to the far post for the tally.  Although control would remain with the Warriors, the one goal lead would take them into the break.

The second half looked much like the first - a bit of desperation from the Spartans, and a fierce desire from the Warriors.  As expected, the Mariemont defense would yield nothing easily.  Standout performances by Foard, junior Elise Kubicki, sophomore Sarah Dillman, and freshman Sanam Zahedi kept the Spartans at bay.  Although the Warriors out shot Roger Bacon 12-8, the Spartans were a fantastic test of the resolve of Mariemont.  The 1-0 score would hold until the final whistle.  Jackie Weber finished the night with 8 saves and her first shutout of the season. 

Next up, defending state champion Badin comes to Kusel Stadium Wednesday night.  This will not be a night to miss!!

 

August 23, 2006
v. Badin, #1 city ranking

Defending state champions with about 17 returning varsity players and a chip on their shoulder.  That's what Badin brought to Kusel Wednesday night.  They didn't know what was in store for them. 

At the opening whistle, Badin took immediate control, and didn't relinquish control the entire half.  Although they rocketed nine first half shots to the Warriors' three, sophomore keeper Adele Bruggeman took care of them all.  The play of the Rams showed why they were state champs, but the resilience of the Warriors showed that they are not invincible.  Both squads went into the break with the score tied 0-0.

With a couple of adjustments, the Warriors came out in the 2nd half a different team.  They not only took Badin out of their game, but they also took control of the match.  About 10 minutes in, sophomore striker Aggie Howland had a breakaway deflected just enough to miss the goal by inches.  Other chances by juniors Elise Kubicki and Chelsea Ferguson were snuffed out by tough play by the Ram keeper.  Mariemont's defense, anchored by senior Leslie Foard, sophomores Sarah Dillman and Amy Zepf, and freshman Sanam Zahedi, played hard-nosed soccer, taking away the attack of the Rams.  However, with about 18 minutes remaining, they were able to get off a cross and a first time finish just under the crossbar to take the 1-0 lead.  Although the Warriors still pushed forward and created some opportunities, they couldn't find the back of the net.  The Rams held on to win 1-0, but not without walking away remembering the night they played the Warriors.

Next up, the Warriors travel to CCD this Saturday at noon.  We'll see how they can come back to avenge a hard fought loss.

 

August 26, 2006
v. Cincinnati Country Day, #10 city ranking

The last two years have seen the Indians from CCD battle the Warriors to one goal games, falling to Mariemont both times.  This year would be a bit different, but not exactly what they had in mind.

The mighty Warriors took immediate control of the match, pressuring the ball in every area of the field, particularly by the front runners, Amy Sattergren, Aggie Howland, and Amy Zepf.  This high pressure defense led to several opportunities on goal.  The best chances came from the onslaught of Mariemont's midfield, led by seniors Alex Jeske and Karen Weber, and freshman Kelsey Hogan.  After outshooting the Indians 11-1, though, the Warriors had nothing to show for it but a 0-0 going into the halftime break.

The second half looked much like the first - with the Warriors in control.  With play being battled out in the midfield, the Warriors were wondering if they would ever be able to find the back of the net.  Then with about 18 minutes remaining the match, things happened.  Freshman Megan Holland won the ball out of the air and pushed forward.  Fellow frosh Sanam Zahedi took over and pushed further up field, finding sophomore Leah Hamlin in the box.  Hamlin buried the ball in the near post to take the 1-0 lead.  Minutes later, Hogan found space about 25 yards out, took a look, and blasted a shot that went right under the crossbar for the tally.  Although the Warriors had been finding Zepf all day, it wasn't until about 12 minutes remained that her efforts paid off.  Jeske relieved pressure in the midfield, and lofted a ball up and over the defender Zepf had owned the entire match.  Zepf took a touch towards the near post, and launched a bullet to the far post side net to give Mariemont the 3-0 lead.  At the final whistle, the Warriors walked away victorious, and senior keeper Jackie Weber (3 saves) notched her second shutout of the season. 

The Warriors begin their quest for the CHL title as they travel to Finneytown, Wednesday night at 7 PM. 

 

August 30, 2006
v. Finneytown, CHL rival

Coach Haney's alma mater. . . CHL opener. . . capable of surprising any opponent on any given night.  That sums up what the Wildcats from Finneytown bring to the field everytime they face Mariemont.  They proved themselves to be a formidable foe that would test the resolve of the Warriors.

The Warriors took control of the tempo of the match at the opening whistle, and rarely relinquished it throughout the half.  Outshooting the Wildcats 13-0 in the period, the Warriors' attack was relentless.  With 10 different players getting shots off in the half, it's hard to say the attack was led by any one Warrior.  Key in the attack was the push forward from defenders Leslie Foard and Sarah Dillman.  Many chances were created, but few on frame.  With about 24 minutes remaining the half, however, Mariemont struck.  Sophomore Amy Zepf collected the ball on the flank and played in towards the box, finding fellow sophomore Amy Sattergren on the run.  Sat pulled the trigger from about 20 yards out and buried it in the far post to take the 1-0 lead.  The Mariemont defense, anchored by freshmen Megan Holland and Sanam Zahedi shut down every opportunity by the Wildcats, allowing senior keeper Jackie Weber to make it through the half without having to make a save.  Although there were several scoring chances, the Warriors would have to accept the one goal advantage at the break.

With 40 minutes to play, the Warriors settled down and became a bit more selective with their shots.  With the defensive pressure keeping the ball at Mariemont's feet, the Warriors were able to push numbers forward, getting chances from sophomore Aggie Howland, freshman Kelsey Hogan, and even more from Zepf.  With about 19 minutes remaining, it was Zepf with the knockout punch.  Junior striker Jordan Groppe broke through an offsides trap.  When the keeper came out, Groppe stumbled, and Zepf rushed in to put away the loose ball, tallying her 2nd career goal (the first against CCD).  Finneytown countered on a breakaway with about 11 minutes to go, but about two minutes later, Holland, playing in the midfield struck back.  Taking control of the ball out of the air, she pushed forward, found the gap between the defenders, and pushed forward 30 yards.  Although the keeper came out, Holland juked to her left, and put it away in the far side, notching the game-winner and her first varsity goal.  Shortly after, senior Karen Weber took control in open space, and played to Hogan, who touched it into space behind the defense, and took it in for the back breaker, giving the Warriors the lead, and recording only her 2nd career goal.  Before it would end, though, the officials would award a PK to the Wildcats, giving them one last glimmer of hope.  At the final whistle, it was the Warriors who were victorious, going home with the 4-2 win. 

The Warriors host the Cowboys from Wyoming next Wednesday at Kusel Stadium for the 2nd match-up in the quest for the CHL title.     

 

September 6, 2006
v. Wyoming, #8 city ranking, CHL rival

A tale of two halves. . . that's how the matchup between Mariemont and Wyoming could be summed up.  Fortunately for the Warriors, one half was considerably better than the other. 

As we have come to expect, the Warriors took immediate control of the match, playing nearly flawless defense, and textbook attack.  The flanks was where they wanted to be, and that was where they found glory.  The first nail in the coffin came with about 8 minutes into the half.  Sophomore forward Leah Hamlin played senior Karen Weber on an overlap on the outside.  Weber took a touch to get behind the last defender, and finished it to the far post for the tally.  Several more chances came from the Warrior side by Hamlin, freshman Sanam Zahedi, and freshman Kelsey Hogan.  With about 16 minutes remaining, though, it was another combination that connected for the goal.  Freshman Chelcie Whoberry took the ball out of the air on the outside, 1 touching it over a defender to the chest of sophomore Amy Sattergren.  Amy took one touch in, and ripped the shot from about 15 yards out to the far low corner to give the Warriors the 2-0 lead, which would hold into halftime. 

Anytime a team takes a lead, let alone a 2 goal lead into the 2nd half, one has to wonder if they think they have the game in hand, or if they need to keep pushing forward.  The push kept coming, but Mariemont let Wyoming back in the game.  After a couple of near chances by Hogan and Hamlin, it was Hogan who eventually gave the Warriors a 3-0 lead by putting away a Zahedi/Hamlin combo to play her in behind the Wyoming defense.  Minutes later, however, the Cowboys countered to pull within 2 goals.  With just over a minute remaining, and after allowing a few more chances, the Warriors gave up a second goal with nothing more than lax defense.  They held on for the 3-2 win, notching their 2nd victory on their quest for the CHL title.  Special mention should be given to the defensive efforts by sophomores Sarah Dillman and Amy Zepf, freshman Megan Holland, and senior Leslie Foard to holding the Cowboys to only 4 shots on the night.  Great job girls! 

The Warriors travel to Dayton this Saturday to take on Oakwood, who will be attempting to avenge a 10-0 pounding from 2005.   Directions to the game are as follows:

I-75 North to Edwin C. Moses Blvd.
Right on Stewart St.
Right on Far Hills. 
School is on the left.

See you there!    

 

September 9, 2006
v. Oakwood, #4 Dayton ranking

Avenge?  Yeah, you could say that!

At the opening whistle, Oakwood came out with. . . well, a vengeance.  With some of the more aggressive play we've seen this season, the Lumberjacks pounded away at the Warrior defense.  About 9 minutes into the match, they put one away for the 1-0 edge.  They continued to punish every mistake Mariemont made, getting off 6 shots in the half.  Chances by senior Karen Weber, sophomore Amy Sattergren, and freshman Kelsey Hogan were either picked clean by the Oakwood keeper, or went wide of the frame.  With 5:48 left in the half, however, it was another freshman, Chelcie Whoberry, who found the equalizer.  Weber pushed the ball up the right side and played Whoberry in behind the Oakwood defense.  With the keeper challenging, Whoobs took a touch to relieve the pressure, then finished it in the far net for the tally, and her first varsity goal.  The 1-1 tie would carry to the half. 

The 2nd half started the way the same as the first - with Oakwood in control.  About 3 minutes in, that control paid off again, giving the Jacks the 2-1 lead.  Play balanced out a bit, with the Warriors finding some chance of their own.  With about 20 minutes remaining, Sattergren took over.  Pushing up with the ball just outside the penalty area, she played Weber in from 20 yards out.  Weber took a touch, then put it away to the far post for another equalizer.  The momentum had shifted in Mariemont's favor.  With about 8 minutes remaining, the Warriors were awarded a free kick.  Weber picked her spot, and nailed the 40 yarder just under the cross bar for her second goal of the night, and the eventual game-winner.  About 2 minutes later, Whoberry iced the victory by taking a Sattergren assist, spinning and ripping the shot up and over the keeper from 12 yards out.  With the game in hand, the Mariemont defense, led by freshmen Megan Holland and Sanam Zahedi, and sophomore Sarah Dillman, held tough to the final whistle to take home the victory. 

As much as we showed the resolved of the Warriors today, it will again be tested Monday night against fellow #4 ranked CHCA at Kusel Stadium at 7:00 PM.

 

September 11, 2006
v. CHCA, #4 city ranking

Ties aren't always pretty.  They certainly aren't what either team wants as the outcome.  But tonight, two stingy defenses showed why they are both ranked #4 in Cincinnati.

After about 10 minutes of both teams getting into the rhythm of the game, Mariemont took control.  The defensive pressure put on the Eagles was too much for them to produce anything significant, with their only two shots allowed well out of range.  The Warriors were able to get a few scoring chances, but CHCA would not allow anything, thanks in large part to their sophomore goalkeeper.  Both teams would go into the half deadlocked at 0-0 to regroup for the next 40 minutes. 

As much in control the Warriors were in the first half, they were even better in the second.  Again, the play of the Warrior defense, led by senior Leslie Foard, and freshman Sanam Zahedi in the back, Karen Weber, Amy Sattergren, Alex Jeske, and Megan Holland in the middle, was as dominant as we've seen this season, allowing one shot on goal in the half.  That shot from point blank range was the only save (and a brilliant save it was!) that senior keeper Jackie Weber had to make all night.  One of the best chances for Mariemont's offense came with about 20 minutes remaining in the game, when Holland ripped a left footer off the cross bar.  Things stayed tight, and Mariemont's resilience held strong.  With 1:30 to go, freshman Kelsey Hogan fired a one-timer off a cross, only to be saved by the Eagle keeper.  The 0-0 score held until time expired, giving the Warriors their first draw of the season, and their 3rd shutout.

The quest for the CHL title continues Wednesday night, as the Warriors play host to Indian Hill, ranked #2 in the city, and #4 in the state.  Can the Warriors take them down?  We'll see you at Kusel Wednesday night!!    

 

September 13, 2006
v. Indian Hill, #2 city ranking, CHL rival

The stage was set for a repeat of 2005, with the Hill coming in at #2 in Cincinnati, and our Warriors at #4.  We're not sure anyone expected what would happen on the pitch tonight.

The Warriors took the field prepared for battle.  Throughout the first 15 minutes of the half, the battle raged mainly in the midfield, with both defenses holding the other at bay.  With just under 20 minutes remaining, the Braves drew first blood.  The deadly combo of Snow and/or Rogers, as they've done to so many, hit the Warrior defense. . . hard.  With a ball dropped  in right to Rogers, the veteran played it to the far side net for the 1-0 lead.  About 5 minutes later, however, Mariemont began something amazing.  Senior midfielder Karen Weber took a ball played back by freshman Megan Holland and hit the 30 yarder just under the crossbar for the equalizer.  About 6 minutes later, sophomore Amy Sattergren ripped a shot on frame, only to be deflected by the Brave keeper.  Fellow sophomore Aggie Howland raced in and put away the left footer for the 2-1 edge.  The Warriors would earn a corner kick with about 5:30 remaining in the half.  As usual, Weber served up a perfect ball, which found the head of Sattergren charging in for the finish.  The Warriors would take an unfamiliar 3-1 lead into the break. 

As good as the Warriors were the first half, they were even better in the second.  Maintaining control, Mariemont saw Indian Hill start playing a much more direct game.  Even so, they had difficulty containing the Warrior attack.  Several chances from Mariemont, from every range and angle, just missed finding the net.  With about 10 minutes remaining in the match, Rogers struck again to pull within a goal.  But with just over 6 minutes to go, freshman Kelsey Hogan took a Sattergren cross, and put it away up and over the Brave keeper to ice the 4-2 victory. 

For the first time in over 10 years, the Warriors triumphed over Indian Hill.  Words can't describe the credit that needs to be given to the defensive efforts of Mariemont, led by seniors Leslie Foard and keeper Jackie Weber.  Fantastic job done by all.  Congratulations, Warriors!!

 

September 16, 2006
v. Springfield Greenon

Greenon made an hour and half drive planning on going home with a victory.  The Warriors had a different plan for them. 

One thing the girls from Greenon well all night long was pull an offsides trap, something Mariemont hasn't seen yet this season.  After several close chances, and even more offsides calls, the Warriors hit.  Freshman Megan Holland took the ball out of the air about 25 yards out, read the trap, and blew through the line from about 25 out.  With the keeper frozen, she put it away to the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.  About 6 minutes later, Holland ripped a shot from about 12 yards out, which was then deflected in the side by fellow freshman Sanam Zahedi, recording her first varsity goal.  With senior keeper Jackie Weber going unchallenged in the net, the Warriors would continue to dominate the game until halftime with the comfortable 2-0 lead. 

Mariemont settled down in the 2nd half, remaining in control.  Although Greenon was able to produce a couple of chances, the defense of the Warriors would prove to be too much.  About 14 minutes into the period, sophomore midfielder Andie Jackson blazed up the side and crossed a picture perfect ball to a waiting Chelcie Whoberry.  Whoobs settled, took a touch towards the keeper, and buried it.  5 minutes later, senior Karen Weber served up a always perfect corner kick, which Zahedi put away like a veteran.  The Warriors would hold onto the 4-0 lead until the final whistle.  Sophomore keeper Adele Bruggemann recorded one save on the night, and notched her 1st career shutout, while Weber earned her 4th of the season.

Times don't get easier for the Warriors.  They travel to #2 ranked Seven Hills Monday night for a clash of two of the top programs in the state. 

 

September 18, 2006
v. Seven Hills, #2 city ranking   

Seven Hills came into tonight's match 8-0, steamrolling everyone in their path.  The Warriors had plans to knock them off, but they lived up to the hype and the #2 ranking in Cincinnati.

The Stingers took immediate control of the match, and didn't let up for 80 minutes.  Player of the Year candidate Chelsea Hatcher provided two goals to give them the lead at the half.

The Warriors regrouped and came out a bit stronger in the second half, but the tenacity of Seven Hills kept everything away from their goal.  They were able to notch one more goal on the night to knock the Warriors back down to earth for only their second loss of the season.  Although Mariemont had some fine individual performances, the team was a bit out of sync.  They'll get it back together as they face CHL foe Reading on the road Wednesday night at 7:00 PM. 

 

September 20, 2006
v. Reading, CHL rival 

The Warriors v. the Blue Devils.  With a new coach at the helm of the Reading side, we knew things were going to be a bit different.  The difference almost proved costly for Mariemont.

Reading took immediate control of the match, teeing off on every opportunity the Warriors allowed (which was a lot!).  After about 8 shots, 4 of which were on frame, the Warriors found a break.  With sophomore Aggie Howland sprinting into space, senior defender Leslie Foard pushed her way out of trouble and served it in behind the Reading defense.  Howland put away the first shot on the night for the Warriors, taking the early 1-0 lead.  Thinking the tide would turn in their favor, Mariemont continued to let Reading have their way, and within about 2 minutes, the Blue Devils found the equalizer.  Shortly after, they made their way through a surprisingly vulnerable defense, scoring again to take the 2-1 lead.  Seconds before the halftime horn, sophomore Leah Hamlin played Amy Sattergren in behind the Reading defense.  Sattergren got the shot off and in, but there was controversy whether it was before the horn or not.  After a conference, the officials awarded the goal to the Warriors, and they couldn't have been more fortunate to take the tie into the break. 

The second half picked up a bit for Mariemont, with play balancing out through the midfield.  With about 25 minutes to play, something finally clicked, and they took complete control.  Barely allowing the Devils out of their half, the Warriors played great soccer on both sides of the ball.  It was too little too late, however, as they could not find the back of the net, giving both sides the bittersweet draw to go home and think about. 

The Warriors travel to Summit Saturday afternoon to take on the Silver Knights at 1:00 PM.  Can the Warriors get back on track to continue their success this season?  We'll find out soon enough!  

 

September 23, 2006
v. Summit Country Day

After a couple of sub-par outings by the Warriors, they were bound to have something in their tank for Summit.  The Silver Knights, though, had plenty to throw at us. 

Mariemont came out at the whistle somewhat flat, letting Summit dictate the pace of the match, giving up multiple corner kicks in the first few minutes.  The Silver Knights of Summit took advantage on a poor clearance by the Warriors on one of those corners to take the early 1-0 lead.  Throughout the half, Mariemont had trouble putting together any kind of attack.  A couple of chances by freshmen Kelsey Hogan and junior Jordan Groppe just missed the frame, keeping the hope alive for the Warriors.  Then, with about 2 minutes remaining in the period, freshman Megan Holland sliced her way through the Summit defense and put one away for the equalizer.  The 1-1 deadlock would take both teams into the break. 

A system change and new attitude gave the Warriors a fresh start in the second half.  Although their chances were few, control of the match evened out somewhat.  About midway through, things looked up for Mariemont.  Hogan played into junior Chelsea Ferguson, playing in her first match since early in the season.  Fergs immediately played right back out for the combination.  Hogan served up a beauty across the box, finding junior Elise Kubicki at the far post, notching her first career goal, and the eventual game-winner.  Mariemont's resilience took over, stepping up and shutting down every opportunity for the Knights.  Senior keeper Jackie Weber came up with a huge save with about 5 minutes remaining, deflecting a shot from point blank range, recording only her 2nd save of the match.  The back line of Zepf, Dillman, Zahedi and Foard, fronted by senior Karen Weber, held Summit until time expired, with the Warriors taking home the 2-1 victory. 

The Warriors travel to Taylor Wednesday night to fend off the Yellow Jackets, trying to stake claim to the CHL title.  A titanic matchup between two of Cincinnati's best. 

 

September 27, 2006
v. Taylor, #7 city ranking, CHL rival

It was a dark and stormy night. . .(sounds like the beginning of a suspense novel??)

We knew the storm was on its way - the coaches knew, the officials knew - our objective was to get the game in.  With both teams fired up for the CHL matchup, only one result would satisfy the Warriors.

At the whistle, Mariemont assumed control, and worked the ball into the attacking third.  With a throw in, sophomore Aggie Howland found freshman Megan Holland on the run.  Holland pushed to the endline, and served up a beautiful cross to the far post, just out of reach of the Taylor keeper.  Senior midfielder Karen Weber made the far post run, forcing the ball and defender into the net to take the early lead at the 39:10 mark.  The Warriors remained in control, but were forced to play some tenacious defense against the bomb-dropping Yellow Jackets.  And what a defense they played!  Mariemont put on a defensive clinic, led by senior Leslie Foard, sophomores Sarah Dillman and Amy Zepf, and freshman Sanam Zahedi, only allowing 3 shots by Taylor, two of which were saved by keeper Jackie Weber.  At the 26 minute mark, it was Holland again, taking a ball played in by junior Chelsea Ferguson, cutting to the penalty box, and ripping the left footer into the far post net.  The 2-0 lead, and the tenacity of the Warriors, would hold out until halftime. 

With lightning on the horizon, we weren't sure how much of the match would be played.  In the short amount of time we did have, Taylor punched their way through for a couple of scoring opportunities, only to be snuffed out by Weber and her defenders.  Officials stopped the match about 7 minutes in, and after about 1/2 hour, the decision was made to end the contest.  Mariemont went home with the 2-0 shutout, and remained in command of the CHL. 

Senior night is next Wednesday, as the Warriors host Madeira in what always proves to be one of the best matches of the year.  See you there!!   

 

October 4, 2006
v. Madeira, #5 ranking, CHL rival

At least once a season, there's not much to say in the game summaries.  This is that one time.

On senior night, the Warriors gave up a couple of goals to the Amazons from Madeira, one on a corner kick, and another on a defensive breakdown.  The Zons controlled the first half in textbook fashion.  With just over a minute remaining in the half, sophomore Amy Sattergren took one for the team and earned a free kick from about 22 yards out.  Senior midfielder Karen Weber teed up, and fired it just under the crossbar to pull within one.  The Warriors had some regrouping to do at the half. 

The second half looked good for the Mariemont side.  With about 30 minutes remaining, the Warriors assumed control of the game, but it was too little too late.  The Zons held on, taking home the 2-1 win. 

The Warriors play host to Bexley from Columbus this Saturday, with the JV playing their season finale at 1:00 PM, and the varsity taking the field at 3:00. 

 

October 7, 2006
v. Bexley, #6 state ranking

A great rivalry has been in the works for a number of years with the Bexley Lions.  In '05, the Warriors traveled to Columbus to come home defeated 1-3.  In '06, the hope was to redeem themselves.

The first half saw a beautiful game of soccer, with both sides playing with the desire to be expected from two of Ohio's elite.  Bexley jumped into the lead with about 11 minutes to go in the half.  The Warrior defense, led by tremendous efforts by senior Leslie Foard, sophomores Sarah Dillman and Amy Zepf, and freshman Sanam Zahedi, snuffed out several chances by Bexley, with 3 saves by keeper Jackie Weber coming early in the period.  With just under 3 minutes to play in the period, Dillman pushed up the right side and served one up to the top of the box.  After a random bounce, junior Elise Kubicki headed it back to a waiting senior Alex Jeske who ripped the left footer from 18 yards out to the corner for the equalizer, and her first goal of the year.  The 1-1 deadlock stuck into the break. 

The second half saw play remain balanced between the two sides, both putting on a defensive clinic.  On the night, the Warriors held Bexley to 6 shots, while the Lions held Mariemont to 5.  About 21 minutes into the period, Bexley was awarded a free kick, which ended up in the side of the side of the net for the 2-1 edge.  Despite the Warriors' efforts and fine play, they could not find the equalizer, dropping the decision to Bexley.  There's a reason they're ranked #6 in the state - they find ways to win.

The Warriors will enter the final battle for the CHL title on Wednesday as they travel to Deer Park.  Their last test as they prepare for a tournament run like none other.  They will find a way - Warriors always do!  Never underestimate the heart of a Warrior.  

 

October 11, 2006
v. Deer Park, CHL rival    

Going for the CHL title is something new to the Warriors.  Knowing they've outscored Deer Park 22-0 the last two years, it's hard to know how they would respond to the challenge.  It didn't take long to find out.

The game began with the Warriors a bit awestruck by the determination of the Wildcats of Deer Park.  Although shots came from all angles and ranges, the Deer park defense wouldn't yield.  Finally, with about 22:00 minutes remaining in the period, sophomore duo Amy Sattergren and Aggie Howland connected on a cross to the far post to take the 1-0 lead.  A couple of shots by the Wildcats scared the Warriors a bit, but as stingy as Deer Park's defense was, Mariemont's was even better.  Led by the solid play of senior Leslie Foard and freshman Sanam Zahedi in the middle, and flanked by sophomores Amy Zepf and Sarah Dillman, the Warrior D was once again impenetrable.  Outshooting Deer Park 14-2 in the half, the Warriors would have to settle for the one goal lead into the break.  But they would not be satisfied.

Mariemont continued to control the match in the 2nd period, punishing the Wildcats with everything they had.  But the Wildcats, the best Deer Park squad in years, refused to let up.  With about 23 minutes remaining in the match, however, freshman Chelcie Whoberry played a ball across to Sattergren, who placed it into the side net for the 2-0 edge.  Thirty seconds later, Howland played Sattergren in behind the defense, and she put it away like a veteran should.  The Warriors stayed in control, and with about 6 minutes left to play, sophomore Cece Ebelhar took the ball up the flank, and crossed it in to the far post, where Whoberry put it away for the backbreaker.  Keeper Jackie Weber recorded one save on the night to post her 6th shutout of the season.

With the win, the Warriors stake sole claim to the CHL Championship.  Congratulations, girls!  What a great way to prepare for a run deep into the state tournament.  The Warriors are back in action next Thursday in the tournament play, hosting the winner of Bethel Tate and Williamsburg.  Should be the start of something great.  Stay with us, because the show's about to begin!!

 

October 19, 2006
v. Williamsburg, State Tournament

After watching CHL rival Madeira fall to Roger Bacon in penalty kicks, the Warriors had a bit of a reality check.  Anything could happen on this cold, rainy evening, and nothing would be taken for granted.

Mariemont dictated the pace of the match early on, but had difficulty keeping the ball on the ground.  A couple of near chances by seniors Karen Weber, nailing the post from 30 yards out, and Alex Jeske missing just wide, kept the Williamsburg defense busy, and with about 24 minutes remaining, things finally came together.  Sophomore midfielder Andie Jackson took control of the ball just across midfield and played wide to freshman forward Kelsey Hogan.  Hogan pushed past the defender, and crossed to the far side from about 30 yards out.  Fellow frosh Chelcie Whoberry collected it and played in to sophomore Amy Sattergren, who put it away to take the 1-0 lead.  Mariemont continued the pressure, but would have to be satisfied with the one goal lead at the half. 

As it turns out, they weren't satisfied. The Warriors settled down, and played a much prettier brand of soccer in the 2nd half.  Many more chances were created, led by Sattergren and Hogan.  About 11 minutes into the period, they hit the homerun they were looking for.  Freshman defender Sanam Zahedi took control in the middle of the park and played forward to Sattergren.  Sat played to her left to an onrushing Hogan who ripped the shot.  The keeper deflected the shot, only to be cleaned up by Whoberry on the far side.  About 10 minutes later, Jackson collected the ball across midfield, and played wide to Weber.  K-web nailed the left-footer only to be deflected once again by the Williamsburg keeper.  Sophomore Aggie Howland settled the deflection, and played the bangoo back to Jackson, who found the back of the net for her first career goal and the 3-0 lead.  As effective as the offense was, the real story was the defense of the Warriors.  Led by senior Leslie Foard, junior Elise Kubicki, sophomore Sarah Dillman, and Zahedi, they were as solid as they've been all season.  With the back four, fronted by Weber and junior Chelsea Ferguson, Williamsburg could not find their way in, being held to just two shots on the night, both saved by sophomore keeper Adele Bruggemann.  At the horn, the Warriors captured their 9th sectional championship. 

The Warriors continue their run through the tournament Monday night at Norwood as they face the Eagles from CHCA at 7:00 PM.  We'll see just how far the hearts of the Warriors will carry. 

 


           

2005 ARCHIVES

2004 ARCHIVES

2003 ARCHIVES

2002 ARCHIVES

2001 ARCHIVES

2000 ARCHIVES

1999 ARCHIVES

 


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