Denlinger

ANNA — Thursday the Lady Blazers faced No. 3 seed Anna at Anna in the district quarterfinals and ended up losing 6-0.

Anna advanced to face Jamestown Greeneview at Jamestown.

“We knew going into this game they were going to be one of the best teams we faced all season, but we were up to the challenge,” said National Trail coach Molly Denlinger.

The Lady Blazers held off Anna’s strong attacking team to limit the Lady Rocket to only two goals in the first half. In the second half the size difference of the two teams started to take its toll.

Anna was able to sub in four to five players at a time while National Trail girls were playing 15 to 20 minutes of tough physical soccer without a break.

The Lady Blazers held tough the whole game and never gave up. Trail was able to get off 12 shots, nine on goal, while goalkeeper Taylor Reynolds came away with 25 saves for the game.

“I want to send out a big thank you to our seniors, Belle Anderson, Josie Stiner, Hannah Henderson, Taryn Rucci and Megan Irvin for all their leadership this season and never giving up after we were unable to field a team last season,” Denlinger said.

“These ladies wanted to have a senior year so badly and what a season to send them out on! To Ollie, Liv and Lillian – thank you for coming back this season and what all you brought to this team in all aspects on and off the field.”

Denlinger also thanked newcomers Lilly Cordle, Taylor Reynolds, Brenna Leal, Maria Sorice, Brooklynn Holsapple, Rae Brodie and Makenzie Harper for giving soccer a chance this season.

“Thank you for not only trusting in your seniors’ guidance, but mine as well,” Denlinger added. “Ending the season with an 8-9-1 record is something you all should be very proud of, and we look forward to adding the next group of ladies next season and continuing to build!”