Kirtland’s slow start officially is in the rearview mirror following the Hornets’ 1-0 win over host Geneva at SPIRE Institute on Thursday.
Sophomore Maya Zovko scored the only goal of the game and Kirtland’s defense protected goalkeeper Gabby Culotta, who recorded just two touches in the contest.
The Hornets have now won four straight games to improve their record to 4-3-1.
“Tonight was our most complete game of the season,” said Kirtland coach Ed Bradac. “We had possession for the majority of the game and our defense was solid. Gabby only had to handle the ball twice and only took two goal kicks. No one from Geneva got to her because of the great team defense. I’m very proud of this group of young women and how they handled the start of the season and how they have bounced back to win the last four games.”
Zovko’s goal was assisted by Hannah Vouk, who was inside the 18-foot box and delivered a perfectly placed pass to the wide open Zovko on the left flank.
“I was able to pick a spot to place the ball and I shot it over the goalie,” Zovko said. “Hannah and I are getting this chemistry where we can continue to feed each other balls to get these goals. We’re pretty dangerous together up top.”
Zovko now leads the Hornets with eight goals and 17 points while Vouk leads the team with four assists.
According to Zovko, the Hornets are hitting their stride at the midpoint of the season.
“After this game, our confidence has gone up tremendously,” she said. “We played some of the best soccer tonight and everyone saw it. Starting from our defenders all the way up to our forwards, we played and connected very well. Our defensive line was the start of everything and did very good tonight. Maggie Kadas and Tea Petric had one of the best games and really held us all together. They were a huge part tonight. I have so much confidence in the team right now, only because I know from here we are getting better. We’re going to keep working and keep getting these wins.”
The Hornets host Wickliffe on Sept. 18.
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