DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
KINGSLAND – Playing on a waterlogged field after Bellmont and Norwell battled in a physical opening semifinal, the Heritage Patriots did their job and eliminated the New Haven Bulldogs swiftly in a 9-0 win, setting up another match with neighboring Bellmont for the sectional trophy on Saturday night.
Heritage goalie Corrinne Bowers (pictured) had three saves and kept a clean sheet.
“I am proud of how we played tonight,” said Heritage coach Kyleigh Gay after the win. “Our team chemistry was on and the girls looked like they were just having fun out there.”
Nin Way scored four goals for the team in red and assisted on two more as the Patriots pushed their season record to an impressive 12-3. After a season-opening loss to Central Noble, Heritage has only dropped matches against Bellmont and Norwell this season. They will get a chance to avenge one of those Saturday night.
Other goals were scored by Ava Smith, Jasmyne Pearson (2), Libby Cain and Piper Pierce. Smith and Pearson also had two assists each.
Having just played the Braves last week, coach Gay is focused on two elements of her team’s game plan for Saturday: attitude and passing.
“It’s what I’ve been trying to get them to do all season. Our passing looked better than ever tonight, and I am confident that we can continue that into the next game. As long as we play calm and confident and not get into a game of kickball, we can give some good competition.”
The Heritage program will have a chance to break its long sectional drought, which dates back to the only title in school history in 1997.
Thursday’s win also means that both the girls and boys teams will be playing in a sectional final Saturday, with the boys playing in the afternoon against Leo in the 2A Woodlan sectional.
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