Independence’s 6-1 win over visiting Harvey on Thursday was impressive in its own right, but a closer look at the numbers reveals a couple of interesting facts.
First, the Blue Devils are off to their first 2-0 start since 2011 and, more importantly, the squad has scored more goals and assists in two games than it had in either of the past two seasons.
Independence has 15 goals and 10 assists in two games this season. The Blue Devils scored just 14 goals with nine assists in 17 games last fall and 12 goals and eight assists in 2015.
“The young girls are stepping up big for us,” said Independence coach Bryan Less. “A lot of the offense is freshmen and sophomores, so they’re going to score, but the defense played really well too. Harvey had some speed and we stayed with them.”
Freshman Riccela DiGeronimo notched her first career hat trick on Thursday and now has four goals through two games. Classmate Paige Westerburg added a pair of goals to tie DiGeronimo for the team lead with four.
Both players missed a few early scoring opportunities.
“I talked to Paige and Riccela today and told them they’re doing a great job as freshmen scoring all these goals,” Less said. “I’m just going to focus with those two on putting games away early and getting teams back on their heels instead of missing shots. We’re going to work on putting those away.”
Sophomore Marisa Silvestro also scored in the win and sophomore Molly Dougherty contributed with three assists.
The Blue Devils led just 2-0 at halftime then broke the game open early in the second half.
Less pulled several starters midway through the second and Harvey finally broke through with its lone goal late in the game.
Sophomore Reni Kaiser recorded 10 saves with eight coming in the first half.
“She did a nice job,” Less said. “In the first half it seemed like we were a little confused in the back four at times. Our defensive mids were a little out of position, which didn’t help. Four of her saves were on breakaways. She did a nice job of staying strong, came out of box and controlled her 18.”
Independence’s defense tightened up and controlled play in the second half.
“I thought Lauren St. Andrew played some really good defense in the second half and Rachel Belitz and Christina Brunsman had a nice game at central defender.”
The Blue Devils travel to Berkshire on Thursday.
