Kirtland’s slow start to the 2017 season already was a distant memory, even before Tuesday’s 4-0 win over visiting Cuyahoga Heights.
The victory improved the Hornets’ record to 7-4-1 overall but the squad has put together an impressive run since starting the campaign 0-3-1.
“The goal for this team is to be playing their best soccer as we get closer to the start of the tournament,” said Kirtland coach Ed Bradac. “Over our last nine games we are 7-1-1 and have scored 26 goals and only allowed three goals against, so I am pleased with the direction we are headed.”
Maya Zovko scored a pair of goals in the win and now has a team-high 15 scores this season.
She was in the right place at the right time when Hannah Vouk placed a shot on goal and on her second she beat the defense and the goalkeeper.
“Hannah had a powerful shot on goal and it deflected off the goalie and I followed it up and was able to put it away,” Zovko said. “My second one, I got a ball played up the field where I was able to run onto it and was able to beat the last defender along the end line and then just had the goalie to beat and was able to thread it right in between the side goal post and the keeper.”
Katie McCollister scored her second goal of the season and Mia Rini finished off her first in the win.
Vouk finished with two assists while McCollister and Lauren Lutz both had one.
Gabby Culotta recorded four saves in her seventh shutout of the season.
The Hornets travel to Perry on Thursday.
