NEW PARIS — The National Trail girls’ soccer team picked up its first point of the season on Monday, Oct 5, when the team tied with Springfield 1-1.
“This was a great game for us,” head coach Lisa McCloskey said after her team was able to get a draw on the road. “We were able to come together and work as a team.”
National Trail nearly earned the win, had it not been for a late equalizer by the Springfield Wildcats.
Bri Dillow opened the scoring right before the halftime whistle to put the Blazers up 1-0 at the break.
The one-goal lead was nearly enough for the Blazers, who held the Wildcats scoreless until the final two minutes of the contest, when Wildcats found the back of the net.
“It was disappointing to have held them off the whole game and see that shot go in,” McCloskey said. “But I’m still proud of the girls for working so hard and working so well together.”
On Thursday, Oct. 8, the team hosted Tri-County North for senior night as the team played its final home game of the season. The Blazers fell to the talented Panthers, 3-0.
Sophie McCloskey had 18 saves for the Blazers. Kate Othersen, Makena Brinley and Rachel Ray were all able to get shots on goal but were unable to finish the chances.
“This was a tough loss,” McCloskey said, pointing out her young midfield is still learning the game. “We have struggled this season with firming up our mid-field and keeping play at the opponents end of the field. We are a young team and these are just things we have to continue to work on.”
National Trail will host Cincinnati Christian in the opening round of the state tournament on Monday, Oct. 19.
