Eliza Wills and Mia Welms both scored but it was Wickliffe’s ability to play cohesively as a team that resulted in a 2-0 win at Lutheran West on Thursday.
“I feel we really stepped up tonight and played together as a team,” Wickliffe coach Steve Gribovicz said. “Some key players missed portions of the game and new players played big minutes and filled in nicely. Our chemistry took some nice strides together as well as we were able to possess and string together connecting passes to build our attack.”
Wills gave the Blue Devils an early 1-0 first-half lead but the game was in doubt for most of the contest.
Welms added an insurance goal off a Morgan Gabriel corner kick in the final minute of the contest. Gabriel also assisted on Wills’ goal in the first half.
Wickliffe’s defense did the rest.
“Eliza Wills adding her third goal of the season helped propel us to a first-half lead on a one-touch finish off a dribble attack, slide pass from Morgan Gabriel,” Gribovicz said. “To Lutheran West’s credit, they played a competitive game and put pressure on us in the second half, but I’m proud of the composure we showed to keep the shut out intact throughout the game.”
Kaylee Lauriel recorded six saves in the win.
“Our defense stepped up big this game and was aggressive attacking the ball when threatened,” Gribovicz said. “Jaime Orndoff and Emily Wills continued to go through the ball in the midfield, which allowed our offense time to organize into the attack.”
Wickliffe improved to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in league play.
