There was no shortage of chances early for the W.F. West girls soccer team on Thursday, but it was a pair of second-half goals that propelled the Bearcats to a 2-0 win over Shelton.
“We played really well,” W.F. West coach Kevin Schultz said. “It just was one of those games where we were having some trouble putting the ball in the net … But I felt like we controlled the game.”
The Bearcats put nine shots on net in the first half, but Shelton goalkeeper stopped all nine to keep the game scoreless at the break.
W.F. West got on the board in the 50th minute, when Lauren Kelley connected off a header from Emily Mallonee. Ashlen Gruginski also scored in the 62nd minute to double the Bearcat advantage.
“I think we moved the ball a little bit better in the second half,” Schultz said. “I thought it was a nice response by them to stay composed and not panic.”
The W.F. West back line, which included juniors Eden Hornby and Berkeley Varick, stood strong, only allowing one shot on goal, which was saved by Charlee Nelson. Schultz commended Hornby and Varick for stepping up, as a few Bearcats are dealing with lingering injuries.
The Bearcats (8-2, 4-1 2A EvCo) will now turn their attention to the second half of their league slate, starting with a trip to Black Hills on Tuesday.
