The Blue Dragon Soccer team snagged its first win of the season last Saturday after struggling in its first four games of the season.
"Our schedule started out pretty tough playing Vermillion, Groton, and Tea," said Head Coach Amber Williamson. "In each of those three games we held our own the entire first half, but struggled to finish a full 80 minutes which resulted in starting the season 0-3."
However, Williamson remains proud of her team. "Cortney Rogich has had a huge start to the season in goal for us with a combined 111 saves the first three games. Raegen Altman, Jordyn Williams, Jenna Van Holland, Joely Sterud, Morgan Damman, Adi Fink and Kylie Christensen have all made impacts on the offensive end and recorded multiple shots on goal."
The team took on Sioux Falls Christian in its fourth game last Thursday, and while they were able to find the back of the net, SFC scored three to the Dragons' one point.
"Last week we continued our season, playing Sioux Falls Christian in Sioux Falls on Thursday, August 25th. We put together a full 80-minute game, but came up short losing 3-1. Jordyn Williams came up big in the midfield controlling the game and connecting passes forward. Williams, Kylie Christensen, and Joely Sterud recorded two shots on goal. Adi Fink and Morgan Damman each had one shot on goal. A lot of players got in on the defensive end of the game including; Raegen Altman, Jenna Van Holland, Brooklyn Trudeau, Ava Ockenga, and Alyssa Olson.
"The score was 3-0 at half time but the Blue Dragons fought their way back to 3-1 with a direct kick from 30 yards out by sophomore Joely Sterud. Sterud also would score on her own from a corner kick to make the game 3-2 with 14 minutes to go. However, after a controversial call, the goal was called back. Rogich had another huge game in goal and recorded 33 saves on the night."
On Saturday, August 27th the Dragons traveled to Worthington to take on the Trojans.
"Our offense got going early and we were up 4-0 at half time," said Williamson. "The game ended 8-0 and we recorded our first win of the season.
"Joely Sterud completed the hat trick by scoring 3 goals. Raegen Altman, Jordyn Williams, Jenna Van Holland, Kylie Christensen, and Morgan Damman all scored one goal as well. Altman had 7 shots on goal, Williams 5, and Van Holland 3. Brooklyn Trudeau, Sterud, Christensen, Fink, and Damman each had two shots on goal. Alyssa Olson and Amaya Millwood got in on the offensive action as well by recording one shot on goal. Rogich finally got a break in the net and recorded 5 saves on the day."
The Blue Dragons are back in action at home on Thursday, September 1st against Huron. Game time is 4:00 p.m. They'll also be at home next Tuesday, September 6 versus West Central starting at 5:00 p.m.
Addendum: In last week’s issue we neglected to name Cortney Rogich (33) in the center back row of the team photo. We apologize for the oversight!
