Wickliffe Girls Soccer turned sustained possession into scoring opportunities and used a second-half surge from Gwen Reynolds to earn a 4-2 victory over Orange on Tuesday.
Reynolds recorded a hat trick for the Blue Devils, including two goals in rapid succession early in the second half, while Isabella DeFrank added another goal. Jessica Adams and Sydney Solema each contributed an assist, and goalkeeper Abigail Lait finished with 11 saves.
Wickliffe coach Erin Behm was pleased with the way the Blue Devils created chances throughout the game and maintained control even when Orange focused its attention on Reynolds.
“The Lady Devils put together numerous offensive sequences that they were able to capitalize on,” Behm said. “Orange was marking up on Reynolds, but our short game passes and ball movement were the key to getting her open and making good runs. This style of play really opens up the opportunities for Isabella, Ave, and our other mids. We’ve really been focusing on ball control and pace; the girls really showed that tonight.”
Wickliffe takes control
Behm felt Wickliffe controlled possession for much of the contest, but the Blue Devils finally broke through with about 14 minutes remaining in the first half.
Adams helped create the opening, finding Reynolds during a run that resulted in Wickliffe’s first goal.
DeFrank added to the lead approximately seven minutes later, scoring from about 25 yards out to give the Blue Devils additional momentum.
“We really felt like we controlled the ball a majority of the game, but with 14 minutes left we were able to get Gwen open, and she finished a great run, fed in by Jessica Adams,” Behm said. “Isabella DeFrank carried the momentum only seven minutes later and hit a great shot from about 25 yards out.”
Orange responded before halftime, keeping the game within reach.
Reynolds delivers quick second-half burst
Any momentum Orange carried into the break disappeared quickly when Reynolds struck twice to open the second half.
The two goals came within roughly 90 seconds of one another and gave Wickliffe the separation it needed.
“Orange responded before the half, but it wasn’t enough to hold off back-to-back goals from Reynolds to start the second half,” Behm said. “She was able to connect on two runs within a minute and a half of each other.”
Reynolds’ three-goal performance led a Wickliffe attack that continued to create opportunities through passing and movement rather than relying solely on individual runs.
Defense helps finish the job
While Wickliffe’s four goals provided the offensive cushion, Behm credited the Blue Devils’ defense and Lait for protecting the advantage.
Lait made 11 saves and helped Wickliffe manage the closing stages of the game.
“Abigail Lait made a number of fantastic stops and really managed the clock and pace of the game along with her back line,” Behm said.
Behm also viewed the performance as an important step forward for a team that has had limited opportunities to establish continuity early in the season.
“Our defense really held the line and controlled their clears and plays,” Behm said. “We’ve had a hard time putting complete games together, but tonight they did it. We haven’t had much time in-game situations yet this season due to cancellations, rescheduling, and weather. This is only our third game, so we’re still having some of those growing pains that teams have already done with five and six games under their belt.”
More Girls Soccer Coverage From OhioVarsity.com
Updated automatically through this result and the latest reported player stats.Girls Soccer Match Result
Team Score 
Orange Lions2 
Wickliffe Blue Devils4 Top Performers
Wickliffe
Player Stats
Wickliffe
Player G A S Gwen Reynolds 3 0 0 Isabella DeFrank 1 0 0 Jessica Adams 0 1 0 Sydney Solema 0 1 0 Abigail Lait 0 0 11 Game Notes
