LADY REBELS RUN RAMPANT IN THE RAIN

* CONTRIBUTED BY NATE DICROSS

The Rebels and the Potters welcomed the start of 2023 girls soccer Monday night as East Liverpool played host to the visiting Crestview squad. The party got kicked off right on time with a killer rendition of the national anthem and then they were underway. Mother nature brought enough rain for both teams, which set the stage for. opening night. The Lady Rebels made sure not to show up empty handed, bringing all the goals for the night.

Karagin Miller opened scoring early for Crestview with a goal in the 3 rd minute of play. Potter Nation was unfazed by the early goal and the girls regrouped valiantly, slowing the Rebel attack for quite some time, but the senior leadership and experience of Crestview proved to be too much. Goals by Sydney Wellman, Bailey Wonner and Rylee Shaffer were enough to put Crestview firmly in control through the first half of play. The Potters found themselves with some opportunities during the first half, with a couple runs past the Rebel back line and some balls that bounced around in the box long enough to keep both fan bases on their toes, but key saves by Lexi Huff. and great combined effort by the defense helped keep the sheet clean at the half.

The rain would let up by the start of the 2 nd half but the Rebel attack did not. Seniors Karagin Miller and Rylee Shaffer both found the back of the net from distance. Rylee placing a great ball in the top corner from somewhere near the 18 and Karagin taking advantage of space she found from what seemed like the Newell bridge and driving another home for the Rebels. At one point, Crestview strikers seemed to be racing to a hat trick, with Senior captains Rylee, Karagin, and Bailey – plus sophomore Syd Wellman all sitting at 2 goals. It was Miller who was able to capitalize for a 3rd goal, as she would lead both teams in scoring on the night. Finally, freshman Bri DiCross was determined to get the 2027 class in on the scoring and slipped one past the keeper for her 1st varsity goal. Crestview will take a week off before kicking off MVAC league play against Springfield in their home opener next Wednesday. The Potters will look to regroup and grab their first win against Oak Glen on Thursday.

Scoring: Karagin Miller (3), Bailey Wonner (2), Rylee Shaffer (2), Sydney Wellman (2), Bri DiCross (1)