An offensive explosion led Clarkston on the soccer field last Monday to an 8-0 win over Waterford Kettering. But on Wednesday, the Wolves? defense was put to the test in a battle with Oakland Activities Association division II opponents Royal Oak.
Clarkston’s freshman netkeeper Demaree Wells stopped everything that came her way for the first 73 minutes of play.
Kelsey Lawniczak took a pass from Amber Nolan, which came after Wells? initial save, scoring the lone goal of the game for the Ravens, giving them a 1-0 win.
‘She’s got tremendous speed and with Kelsey open anywhere in that area, she’s going to break loose and something’s going to happen,? Ravens coach Cam Millar said.
‘We played a pretty good possession game and this game is all about opportunities. We had great opportunities up front in the first half, but we couldn’t finish, but they made the most of this one,? Millar said.
‘We moved the ball really well and switching fields was important to me, this is a big field and Clarkston does a good job of clogging the middle. In order to get the ball up, we had to go to the outside.?
The Ravens (3-8-3) out-shot Clarkston (3-12-1) 11-6 in the contest.
‘I was very proud of the way they played. They were in it from the beginning and this game came down to the end and both teams played very well,? Clarkston coach Sarah Smith said.
?(The offense) kept their intensity and kept the pressure on all night. We were transitioning well out of the back and there was more pressure up front.?
Forward Brittany Davis was a key to the Clarkston attack.
‘She had a great game and a lot of shots on goal. They didn’t fall tonight, but that’s okay because she’ll keep taking them and eventually they’ll fall,? Smith said.
Wells, who started in goal for Clarkton for the second time this season, is playing exceptionally after coming up a level.
‘I am very impressed with her play. She made the transition from junior varsity very smooth. She’s only a freshman and she’s done very well,? Smith said.
Clarkston begins the district playoffs next Tuesday, May 29, at Kettering. The Captains were resting injuries. The Wolves, beset by their own scratch list, should be healthy by the time the second season opens.
‘They’re not going to hand it to us and they didn’t last time. We have played teams with a lot of injuries (also) and it’s tough with girls out of position,? Smith said.
‘I expect them to come out and play hard and want it just as bad as we want it.
‘We’re going to make sure we play a fundamental, sound game of soccer. We’re going to keep the pressure on and keep shooting.?
The Wolves applied ample pressure in their recent routing of the Captains, even when shots on net weren’t adding up to points on the board in a 30-minute scoring drought.
‘I was proud that they kept shooting. They have to know that sometimes that’s how it’s going to work, not every shot you take is going to go in,? Smith said.
Although Clarkston responded with a large margin of victory last week, the Wolves need to understand the Captains will likely pick up the pace for the playoffs.
‘I hope they go in knowing that once the state tournament starts, it’s a clean slate and it’s really anybody’s ballgame,? Smith said.