The Batesville Lady Bulldogs improved to 4-3 on the season and 3-1 in the EIAC after a 2OT Shootout win over the host Lawrenceburg Lady Tigers.
In the first half, both teams battled for possession in the middle of the field for most of the game. Both defenses held strong and the goalkeeping was phenomenal for both sides. Lawrenceburg was able to take 7 shots in the half as Olive Cerniglia made 3 saves. Batesville had possession in their offensive third but just couldn’t connect that last pass to lead to goal. Ellie Cassidy had the best chance of the half with a rifled free kick that one bounced the keeper as she bobbled the shot initially but was able to get on top of it as the Batesville forwards crashed the goal.
In the second half, both teams mounted several attacks and ended the half with 4 shots a piece. Batesville’s best chance came in the middle of the half as Lauren Gutzwiller got free on the left side and tried to chip the keeper as she came out for the breakaway but the shot sailed just over the top of the goal. Lawrenceburg hit a deep free kick and had another driven shot that Cerniglia was able to make quality saves on to keep the game scoreless.
After two 7-minute overtime periods, the score remained knotted at 0. It was time for a penalty shootout and both teams have been in this position already this season.
Lawrenceburg went first and drilled the shot into the side net. Liz Heidlage stepped up for Batesville and Lawrenceburg’s GK was able to push the shot into the post and the shot bounced out. Cerniglia came up big to turn the momentum back to Batesville as she got her hands on a high shot and pushed it over the bar. Ellie Cassidy stepped up and drilled a shot into the back of the net to make it 1-1 after 2 shooters. Cerniglia came up big with a diving save on Lawrenceburg’s 3rd PK. Carlie Werner confidently stepped up and shot it opposite of the keeper and into the side net. After another Lawrenceburg make, Olivia Knueven looked to put Batesville up 3-2. She did just that as she slipped the ball just inside the post. Lawrenceburg’s 5th and final shooter was in a must make situation and her shot ricochet off the crossbar.
Coach Hartman commented on the team shutout saying, “It was a great team defensive effort to keep the shutout in regulation. Olive was a force in goal both during regulation and PK’s coming up with huge saves.”
Batesville will be back in action at home on Thursday as they take on the Columbus East Lady Olympians. The JV game will start at 5:30 with a varsity kickoff around 7:00.
The JV girls soccer team faced off against the Lawrenceburg Tigers Tuesday evening. The Bulldogs took an early lead with a long shot by Allie Savage from Maggie Weberding. Shortly after Savage’s goal, Bella Britch scored with a well placed shot assist coming from Jade Kopp. Batesville went into half time leading 2-0. The Tigers came out with a vengence and scored a quick 2 goals. The Bulldogs responded with a goal from Laney Flynn assisted by Britch, who kept high pressure and won the ball from the Tiger’s defense. Unfortunately, Batesville tired out and lost their marks a couple times. This allowed Lawrenceburg to score two more times, taking the score to 4-3. The Bulldogs fell to the Tigers at the end of regulation time.
Courtesy of Bulldogs Coach Kyle Laker.