MIDDLEFIELD—Riccela DiGeronimo scored a goal and added a school-record four assists to lead Independence to a 9-0 win at Cardinal on Thursday.
“Riccela had her finest game since the return from her injury,” said Independence coach Bryan Less. “She forced no shots and tied the school record for assists in the game. We have been working on passing the ball backward within the goal box and she picked up two assists that way, which were missed shots in the previous games.”
DiGeronimo had a goal and two assists in the first 10 minutes of the game.
“It’s great to be back,” DiGeronimo said after missing the early part of the season with an injury. “It stunk not being able to play with my team in the beginning of the season but I think watching the games and observing everything is helping me out and helping me contribute. My teammates and I did a great job of moving the ball all around and getting touches on the ball. Everyone was making great runs and being in good positions to score, which helped me find them and make assists and even get a goal.”
Paige Westerburg contributed with a goal and an assist and Makenna McGhee, Marisa Silvestro and Erin Zygmunt also scored for the Blue Devils.
Rachel Belitz, Sophie George and Josie Lee scored their first career goals in the win.
“We came out hard from the get-go, putting in two goals within the first 10 minutes,” Less said. “We continuously played the ball wide, probably putting 30 crosses into the box. The center mids, Molly Dougherty, Zygmunt and Heather Patacca, and center backs, Belitz and Alex Adams, did a wonderful job of not forcing the ball down the middle. Makenna McGhee and Marisa Silvestro also did a nice job of moving without the ball at the outside mid. This was the way I wanted to play the game.”
Reni Kaiser recorded one save in goal while Lauren St. Andrew contributed with two.
Cardinal’s second-year program continues to grow as the Huskies gain more playing experience.
“It’s a growing year,” said Cardinal coach Brian Gallagher. “We will grow and learn every game. I’m excited for the future.”
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