Ladyjackets knock off MVU

By ZENDA FARRELL | Milton Independent Sports Writer

The Varsity soccer team honored their seniors on Tuesday, Oct. 16, including (top row) Lauren Ball, Ashleigh Adams, Heather Little, Gabby Vangemert, (bottom row) Ashley Eaton, Jordan Trombley and Sam Bergeron.

On Tuesday, the 9th, Milton played at Lamoille and lost to the very opportunistic Lancers who are struggling this season. In the first half we had many quality chances and it seemed harder to miss than to score. The Ladyjackets recorded 15 shots on goal to Lamoille’s 5 but at the end of the half the game remained scoreless. At half time we talked about being a little more patient with our shots and focusing on hitting the target. The second half was more of the same and we really pressed to score first but Lamoille capitalized on a defensive miscue to go up by 1. With about 10 minutes remaining, we moved Michelle Nichols from defense to an offensive midfield position and it paid off when she scored on a nice shot from just outside the six yard box to even it up.

At this point we felt very confident with our play and threw everything at Lamoille but just couldn’t seal the deal. I think we had 5 or 6 free kicks from just outside Lamoille’s 18 yard area but still couldn’t connect. With 5 minutes remaining Lamoille scored the game winner on another Milton defensive miscue. We can’t take anything away from Lamoille as they made the most of their opportunities and we didn’t. The whole team was upset about this loss and feel we should have had at least a tie and a share of the points. We dominated the majority of the game not just in possession of the ball but with quality scoring chances. It’s been tough for us this year when we play away; the mental aspect of the game is not the same as when we play at home and this must change before the playoffs start.

Ashleigh Adams made seven saves for the Ladies, one on a penalty kick and another on a rebound shot. The (4-8) Lancer’s keeper stopped eight shots for Lamoille.

On Thursday the 11th, the girls played in Bristol against a struggling Mount Abraham team. This match was about making our own destiny, playing with determination and not settling for anything but a victory. We wanted to control the outcome and I think the team did that; it wasn’t easy as Mount Abe really put up a fight.

In the first half we missed a couple of great chances to score and the half ended 0-0.

The second half was more of the same with Milton controlling the majority of the play and possession. Our determination paid off when midway through the second half Lindsey Barcomb beat a Mount Abe defender to a 50/50 ball on the left side, cut to the end line and sent a perfect pass to Gabby Vangemert who was all alone at the top of the six. Gabby one-timed a perfect shot low and just inside the near post. That was an excellent goal and an outstanding effort from Lindsey as she really made something out of nothing. Gabby was very composed with her finish. That goal took the wind out of Mt Abe’s sails and we continued to press their goal. With about 10 minutes left in the half a corner kick by Sam Bergeron connected with a perfect header to the far post for a 2-0 Milton win. Adams stopped a dozen shots for Milton and the Ladies sent a total of 8 shots to the Mt Abe net.

For the season finale and senior night, the Ladyjackets Girls' Soccer avenged a midseason loss with a 2-0 win over MVU under the lights at home last Tuesday. They finished the season with a respectful 9-5 record and the #6 seed in DII.

In addition to being the last game of the regular season it was also senior night. The Milton seniors and their families were honored as well as the visiting team seniors. This year seniors are Captain Heather Little, Assistant Captain Ashleigh Adams, Assistant Captain Jordan Trombly, Sam Bergeron, Lauren Ball, Gabby Vangemert, and Ashley Eaton. We can all be very proud of this group of young ladies, not only for their accomplishments on the soccer field but for their good sportsmanship, scholastic achievements and community involvement.

The girls were full of energy for this game and played a great match. We looked very solid and played with high intensity, skillful aggression at a good pace and we finished with a determined attitude. Coach Hurley and I are happy for the team and extremely proud of them and their performance.

We dominated play in the first half and generated 9 shots. MVU was really scrambling defensively but somehow they managed to keep the ball out of their net. At halftime we talked about keeping the same intensity, being determined and not rushing the shot and playing with just a little more quality.

The Ladies didn’t disappoint and about 5 minutes into the second half, we scored a beautiful goal that saw several one touch passes before being deposited into the net by Jessica Sperling. The keeper had no chance, the ball movement and one touch passing found MVU only able watch as Milton built a 1-0 lead. I don’t think we ever let up and continued to pour it on with 9 more shots and an 18 to 3 shot advantage. Heather Little scored the final Milton goal with a nifty cut on a MVU defender just inside the 18 yard line when she hammered an unstoppable, high rising shot to the far post.

Milton will host the #11 seed Otter Valley on Wednesday, October 24 at 3 p.m. The winner of this match will play the winner of #3 Harwood vs. #14 Lamoille at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 27.

Go Ladyjackets!!

submitted by Doug Marek