In the annual girls’ soccer Battle for the Ball Saturday, Rushville took back the traveling trophy from Greensburg winning 6-2.
According to Rushville coach Callie Peterman, Greensburg has won the rights to the trophy every year since 2012 except for 2019 and now 2021. In 2020, the Lady Pirates won back the trophy in a penalty kick shootout.
In this match, Rushville scored about six minutes into the first half with senior captain Lily Krodel hitting a netter. Not long after, Greensburg tied the game 1-1 on a shot from senior Kayla Haycock.
Less than 10 minutes after the first goal, Lions junior Jin Calaf found the back of the net then, off an assist from junior Belle Gossett, junior Haley Shoffner moved the Lady Lions to a 3-1 lead.
Pirate junior captain Macey Smith got one more on the goal for Greensburg, but Rushville led 3-2 at the half.
Gossett, Calaf and Krodel all scored a goal during the second half making the final score and victory over Greensburg 6-2.
Leading the Lady Lions with shots on goal were: Allie Yung seven, Krodel six and Gossett five. Rushville’s defensive line got seven offside calls against Greensburg offense. Keeper Kelby Roberts had eight saves.
“The Pirate defense could not contain the Lions passing and aggression,” aaid Greensburg coach Ryan Morlan. “The Lion defense forced the Pirate offense offsides every time they had a chance to make a drive on goal.”
The Lady Lions also celebrated Senior Night and recognized nine members of their squad: Jin Calaf (foreign exchange student), Cora Custer, Savannah Gray, Audrey Gettinger (captain), Lily Krodel (captain), Kylee Macy, Lexi Morris, Savanah Snow and Allie Yung.
We thank coaches Peterman and Morlan for the information.