BY WENDI REARDON PRICE
Clarkston News Sports Writer
Kickers finished last week with a shut out at home against Goodrich on Friday with a 4-0 win.
“We’re in a bit of a crazy run at the moment,” said Clarkston Girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach Damian Huffer. “We have five games in eight days so the schedule is packed. I used it as a chance to give people with tired legs a rest, and give some of the girls some playing time.
The Wolves finished the first half with zero scored but lots of shots and chances.
“It seems to be our MO that has been developing this season,” Huffer said. “We are creating chances but not converting as many chances. The good thing is they are creating chances we just need to improve that ratio to be in great shape.”
For the second half, Huffer put the starting 11 back in the game and within 20 minutes they had sealed the win with four goals.
The first goal came from senior Emmy Horne, who finished off a cross from the back post with an assist from junior Micaela Hohlbien.
“It was her second goal of the season,” said Huffer. “She is one of our captains and has been playing very well. From there we added goals. Micaela scored the second after a good run and cross by Emma Bradley, who is a sophomore and has been excellent.”
Junior Emerson Wood scored the third goal with a pass from sophomore Ava Bechtell.
“She took one touch and put it in the corner from the 20-25 yards. Probably the best goal we scored,” Huffer said.
Bechtell scored her own goal to seal the win for the Wolves.
“Ava is coming back after months off with an injury,” Huffer said. “She hurt herself playing against Royal Oak this time last year. She’s back with us and getting up to speed. She scored from the right side. It was a great finish. It was a fair reflection of the game. We were in control and then I just rotated the starters throughout the game.”
Goodrich had a penalty kick with five minutes left in the game. The attempt hit the post and the game ended with a shut out.

“It was a great performance. It was a great exercise,” Huffer said. “It allowed me to get some players and the rest of the bench some playing time.”
The night before the varsity team tied against Groves, 1-1. Horne tied the game with her goal with 9:45 left in the second half.
“The performance was excellent. Probably the best they have played all season,” said Huffer. “They totally controlled the game. Second half, it was the same fashion. We controlled most of the game. We had probably had 30 chances we just didn’t make the most out of them there.”
He added the group is hardworking and never quits.
“They play until the final whistle,” Huffer said. “The work ethic got them an equalizer from Emmy. The performance was excellent, the work ethic was great. They looked good. They created a lot of chances we just have to be more ruthless. I just want to see the girls get the rewards for their efforts – that’s the main thing. It’s a fun group with a lot of talent and a lot of depth. We should be in great shape for a good season.”
Clarkston returned from spring break with a 7-2 win against Berkley, 7-2. Hohlbein led with a hat trick.
The Wolves opened the week against L’Anse Creuse on Monday and Seaholm on Tuesday.
“L’Anse Creuse should be a good test to see where we are,” said Huffer. “They are normally a decent team. They always do well. It should give us a good idea of how we stack up other schools. Seaholm is a league game. It should be another good test. The kids are great. They are dedicated. It’s a great group. They enjoy it and they are fun. Once they cross that white line it’s all business. They give 100 percent which makes it easy as a coach to encourage them.”
Varsity hosts Clawson on Monday at 7 p.m. They host Farmington on Tuesday, April 19 at the Pond, the soccer and lacrosse stadium next to the tennis courts behind Clarkston High School. JV plays at 5:30 p.m., varsity follows.

  Clarkston Girls Varsity Soccer, Girls Soccer