Braves keep non-conference clean sheet against Panthers

Dane Fuelling

WZBD.com

Trying to maintain their spot at the top of the NE8 varsity girls’ soccer table, the Bellmont Braves cycled their rotation and some positional changes against the Snider Panthers, but still came away with a shutout win against the non-conference foe, winning 2-0 Wednesday night on WZBD’s featured match of the week.

Coach Steve Lee made two big calls on his formation, giving first-team all-conference keeper Emily Barton the night off in favor of sophomore Mary Bleke between the sticks. He also moved senior forward and captain Lilly Alberding back to the holding midfielder position to try something different with a non-conference opponent on the docket.

*Grace Ruble was dangerous throughout the night down the right side for the Braves, burning the Snider back line with her speed. (Photo by Dane Fuelling)*

The Braves dominated the opening 40 minutes but were unable to find the back of the net against the talented Alexa Thomas. Bellmont put ten shots on target in the opening half, while the visitors did not test Bleke once. The only real opportunity for Snider was a surprise shot that was lifted over the head of the tall sophomore keeper and bounced off the top of the crossbar.

*Steve Lee delivers his halftime address to his girls with the score knotted at 0-0. (Photo by Dane Fuelling)*

Bellmont struck immediately after the two teams switched sides. Kaitlyn Barton attempted a cross that hit Grace Ruble squarely in the back, popping the ball right to Oni Krueckeberg, who scored her team-leading ninth goal of the season with a brilliant finish.

That allowed Bellmont to invest more bodies and effort in defending for the second half. Snider picked up their physicality, but the Braves handled it well, matching their opponents tackle for tackle.

*Snider goalkeeper Alexa Thomas makes an incredible save to keep the score at 1-0 in the second half Wednesday night. (Photo by Dane Fuelling)*

Sophomore Ella Sovine was hauled down in the box later in the half, but could not put the penalty attempt on target, but Lilly Alberding helped out her sophomore understudy by finishing a great pass from Sovine into the back of the net to make it 2-0, rewarding Lee for the faith he showed in Alberding to switch positions mid-week.

*Lilly Alberding puts the game away for the Braves with a goal in the 75th minute. (Photo by Dane Fuelling)*

Bellmont out-shot the Panthers 16-1 in the shots on goal category and it was the Braves who led the corner kick count, 11-1. Snider were whistled for 12 fouls to just three from Bellmont.