By Christopher Shaban
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
CLAREMONT — The Cardinals Maddy Minckler scored three first half goals before the lightning put an end to the evening as the Stevens Women won 3-0 while the Kearsarge Men took the opening game 5-2. This double header had everything including weather delays, great shoulder to shoulder action, some yellow cards, and plenty of chippy play all in front of a big crowd.
Stevens Women 3, Kearsarge 0
Before lightning put an end to the evening at halftime of the Women’s game, the Cardinals were in total control behind Minckler’s trifecta. “This is a big rivalry, Kearsarge is a good team, but we are also, we came here to win tonight,” said the Stevens junior.
Right from the start, the aggressive play of the Cardinals had the visitors on their heels with shots coming from all angles off the feet of multiple Cardinals. Not only did Minckler get some good looks, but Tori Dalke, Stella Lavertue, and Kiley Bundy all had clean looks at Cougar keeper Jenna Wheeler, who made some great stops.
“We are not a one-dimensional team; we have multiple scorers and can switch our tactics depending on what the other team is showing us. We have a long way to go, ‘’ said Cardinals Women’s Head Coach Tim St. Pierre.
Kearsarge Men 5, Stevens 2
In the early game after Kearsarge took a 1-0 lead, the Cardinals came roaring back. Landon Norton-Avery squared the match with a beautiful goal then a blast off the foot of Connor Miller gave Stevens a 2-1 lead midway in the first half. Tragedy struck the Cardinals when Luke Belisle collided with a Kearsarge player that sent both players to the turf as neither would return to action.
Kearsarge grabbed the lead with two quick goals to end the half leading 3-2 before the storms moved in to halt play for 45 minutes in the second half. Once play resumed, Kearsarge was content to flood the box with defenders and their counter attacks accounted for two more goals to spoil the Cardinals season opener.
The Cardinals will host Fall Mountain on Friday in a double header with the men kicking things off at 5 followed by the women.
Charity Cup Game is Friday
The Stevens women’s Soccer team will be hosting the Fall Mountain Wildcats in the annual Charity Cup on Friday at the conclusion of the men’s game between Stevens and Fall Mountain. September is blood cancer awareness month, so the girls have chosen to raise money and awareness for this disease. Donations will be accepted for this great cause.
Monday’s Scores
Field Hockey
Newport 5, Stevens 0
Men’s Soccer
Mt. Royal 5, Pittsfield 3
Tuesday’s Scores
Women’s Soccer
Stevens 3, Kearsarge 0
Sunapee 10, Hinsdale 0
Monadnock 3, Fall Mtn 1
Newport 7, Mnt Royal 0
Men’s Soccer
Fall Mtn 6, Monadnock 0
Sunapee 4, Hinsdale 1
Kearsarge 5, Stevens 2
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