Trying to adjust to a pair of injuries to starting players, the Bellmont Braves looked well on their way to a signature win in 2023 before the Bishop Dwenger nearly stole the show in the final two minutes, but the two teams settled for a 1-1 draw in non-conference play between two traditionally strong 2A schools.
With Arabelle Laurent and Anna Ruble out with foot injuries, coach Steve Lee had to adjust his game plan from what the Braves had been doing at the intense South Bend tournament (where they went 1-1-1 against stiff competition).
“We executed the game plan very well,” said Lee, “except for the final minute and 50 seconds when BD scored. We have been focusing on the fact that you have to play all 80 minutes at this level. We’ve had difficulties doing this and it’s early, but we’ve led in two games where we ended up in ties.”
The Braves got their goal in the first half in an exceptional moment of skill by Gwen Laurent. After the team worked to create a corner kick, Laurent set up in the far corner away from the home fans and blasted a ball at the near post. With two Bellmont forwards making runs, the Dwenger goalie had to make an attempt at the ball, but it ricocheted off her and into the goal for a 1-0 lead for the home side.
Dwenger’s score certainly spoiled the result, but it could have been worse as the Saints nearly made it 2-1 as time expired, but the last-gasp effort was ruled out.
The Braves were set to play Columbia City Thursday at home, but the contest was one of a series of contests called off due to the excessive heat. Instead, the team will have an extra few days to prepare for their biggest rivals-the Norwell Knights.
“We will certainly focus on possession and game-time management with our extra practice time,” predicted Lee. “Also-we have to get healthy again, so the break is a welcome change to our schedule.”
Lee also noted that his girls, like always, have been handed a tough opening two weeks, but it’s just the way he likes it.
“I told the girls we have been playing postseason soccer at the beginning of the season. Our schedule is very competitive and we have competed well in all those games.”
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