Three different players scored as Wickliffe edged Lutheran West on Thursday, 3-2, to claim its first win of the season.
The Blue Devils opened the year with three straight losses but ended that streak with the Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division victory.
“This was a big win for us,” said Wickliffe coach Steve Gribovicz. “Coming off a nice second half of our last game, the practices this week were intense and really sparked a big performance by the team tonight. Getting the first win of the season is huge. That it came in the first CVC game of the season means even more as we challenge to earn the top spot in the conference. We played three very tough teams to get ready for conference play and it paid off tonight.”
Wickliffe led 1-0 at the half.
Annabella Stoehr, Emma Thompson, and Ava Gabriel each scored for the Blue Devils while Gabriel and Leah Skufca each recorded an assist.
“Each of the goals scored had merit and played an integral part in the result,” Gribovicz said. “The first goal came with 1:23 left in the first half and gave us huge momentum going into the half. Annabella Stoehr scored on a nicely placed ball from a big pass by Ava Gabriel.”
Yoyo Zielinski and Laurel Willard each scored for Lutheran West while Evelyn Albers added an assist. Sydney Holiday closed out the game with seven saves.
Wickliffe’s Gabriella Ervin finished the game with 11 saves.
“I am impressed by the defensive effort in this game,” Gribovicz said. “It was the best team defense we’ve played this season and held Lutheran West scoreless for 76 minutes. Many players stepped up today and had immediate pressure while challenging and winning the 50-50 balls.”
