Despite facing an early deficit, Wickliffe earned a 2-2 draw at defending Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division champion Berkshire on Thursday.
“The girls came out with a drive that hasn’t been shown yet this season,” said Wickliffe coach Steve Gribovicz. “They were determined, committed and focused. They played with energy and drive that propelled them to come back from an early deficit and hold a lead for a good portion of the second half.”
Julia Frank gave Berkshire an early 1-0 lead but Wickliffe’s Gianna Ranallo, a CVC Player of the Week, scored with 23:55 remaining in the first half to tie it.
It remained that way until Melanie Tennant scored with 26 minutes left in the game to give the Blue Devils their first lead, 2-1.
“This was a game of momentum swings all throughout,” Gribovicz said. “Both Wickliffe and Berkshire played a great game that showed what soccer means to these girls.”
Berkshire’s Megan Filby found the back of the net with just under six minutes remaining in the game to close out the scoring.
Ana Stjepanovic recorded an assist for Wickliffe while Kaylee Lauriel finished with four saves in goal. Berkshire’s Elsa Morton recorded just one save.
The Blue Devils are now 8-1-1 overall and 3-1-1 in league play.
“I am very proud of the way our girls came out for this game,” Gribovicz said. “As a coach, it’s what you strive for in the summer and throughout the season. I saw a team that was laser-focused on what needed to be accomplished and regardless of the result, is a reason for the girls to hold their heads up high.”
The tie was the second of the season for Berkshire (5-0-2, 2-0-2).
Based on the point structure—two points for a win and one point for a draw—Wickliffe is tied with Cuyahoga Heights for first place in the Valley Division with seven points while Berkshire and Independence are right behind with six points each.
Wickliffe and Cuyahoga Heights both have just one league game remaining while Berkshire and Independence both have two.
