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STEUENVILLE – The Big Red girls’ soccer team has faced a daunting schedule so far this season, however, the Red-and-Black were able to survive their latest stiff test in University.
The Hawks netted the final three goals of the game as University defeated Big Red, 4-1, in the second game of a doubleheader Saturday afternoon on Reno Saccoccia Field inside historic Harding Stadium.
“We have faced some really-good teams at the start of the season,” Big Red (2-2-2) head coach Annie Cutri said. “We competed, but in the second half I think we just ran out of gas. The penalty kick was unfortunate. After that, we bounced back and scored a goal to make it 1-1. Then, we got down 2-1, and we decided we needed to score by doing anything possible. We moved some kinds into the midfield, and that move kind of backfired on us. A loss is a loss. It doesn’t matter if it is, 2-1, or if it is, 4-1. We tried to come back in the game.
“University is a really-solid team. They have a ton of girls who play soccer year round. I think we just got tired in the second half.”
Avery Alexander opened the scoring for University (6-1) on a penalty kick.
Jaylin Crites answered back with a goal for Big Red to level the score at 1.
The girls from Monongalia County took control from that point.
First, Khloe King scored to regain the lead for the Hawks at 2-1, and then Brynn Ferry netted the final two goals of the game to account for the final score.
Siena Mahle, Kalli Mahle and Braylee Armentrout all tallied an assist for the victors.
Caitlyn Stout made five saves in goal for the Hawks.
“We knew their strong poifnts,” Cutri said. “We were just unable to find a weakness. We had some tired legs.”
The girls from Jefferson County have faced good competition at home and on the road so far this season.
“We have played Dover, Wheeling Central, St. Clairsville and University,” Cutri said. “We have faced some very-good competition at the start of the season.”
Locally, Big Red has played Weir and city-rival Catholic Central.
“I tell the girls that iron sharpens iron,” Cutri said. “You can beat teams in some would say easy games, but you get better by playing better teams. You have to dig deep against them. You face adversity. Soccer teaches you life lessons on and off the field.”
Big Red is slated to play Brooke at 6:30 p.m. today on Paul “Bud” Billiard Field inside Brooke Memorial Stadium.
“We knew coming into the season that we faced a tough schedule at the start of the season,” Cutri said. “We play Brooke Tuesday, John Marshall Thursday, Philo Saturday and then Beaver Local Monday. We have a tough schedule at the beginning part of our schedule. This is a good learning experience. You win or you learn. Our schedule is preparing us for the postseason.”
The girls played the game with heavy hearts as they were dealing with the death of retired teacher, assistant baseball and assistant football coach Joe Pierro, who died Friday.
“The girls played the game with tape on their wrists in honor of Coach Pierro,” Cutri said. “Friday’s practice was a little hectic. It was hard on the coaches. I don’t want to speak for the players. It’s hard. It hurts. Coach Pierro was one of the first faces I saw when I came back to teach at Big Red. Losing him is a big loss.”
University is slated to play Grafton at 5:45 p.m. Thursday at home.
“We’re preparing for the OVACs and for the postseason,” Cutri said.