Jefferson-Mason shows progress in girls soccer loss to No. 11 Milan
NEWPORT – Milan’s girls soccer team rolled to an 8-0 victory over Jefferson-Erie Mason Wednesday.
A casual observer would think that not much has changed.
After all, Milan is ranked No. 11 in the state and Jefferson-Mason is coming off a winless season when it failed to win a game or score a goal.
But the game actually was a pretty good indicator of how far the Bears have come.
First of all, they merged with some Eagles this spring.
Erie Mason and Jefferson formed a co-op program with seven players from each school on the roster.
And the new squad did something that Jefferson failed to do last season, making it to halftime before the eight-goal mercy rule was invoked.
Girls Soccer Previews: Dave Cousino to lead new co-op between Jefferson, Mason
“We had three goals we were shooting for,” Jefferson-Mason coach Dave Cousino said. “First, we wanted to make it to the second half, then we wanted to make it to the end of a game (without being mercied) and we wanted to win a game. We’ve already done all three.”
The Bears opened the season with a win over Dundee.
The task was much more difficult Wednesday.
“Milan is really tough,” Cousino said.
The Big Reds are off to a 3-1 start.
“You have a young group that’s growing,” Milan coach Phil Hayes said. “They’re learning to trust each other. They have a lot of energy. That helps build each other up.”
Leah Mazei scored twice against Jefferson-Mason and Emma Budd and Aubree Higgins each logged a goal and an assist.
Other goals came from Marissa Cicotte, Maya Faro, Marissa Beck and Molly Walline. Kaily McDaniel was credited with two assists and Alivia Held had one.
Milan played like a state-ranked team.
“It feels good,” Hayes said. “I was a little surprised to be ranked, but after what we did last year, it was not that big of a surprise.”
Hayes believes Jefferson-Mason is on the right track.
“They’re improved,” he said. “I love seeing a team build itself up.”
Dakota Cousino made many big saves for Jefferson-Mason.
Sisters spark Airport
FLAT ROCK – Lena Lolon-Begedain scored two goals and Marlie Liggett added one as Airport topped Flat Rock 4-1 Wednesday night.
“Marlie and Lena are sisters and play with a one-two combo,” Airport coach Harold Mendez said.
Payton Toth had the other goal for the Jets. Cecilia Ortega had two assists and Olivia Bucki one.
“Flat Rock played very tough,” Mendez said. “The score does not match the intensity of the game.”
Courtney Kraszewski scored for Flat Rock.
"Jets came to play," said Flat Rock coach Craig Stanczyk. "They moved the ball well, pressed hard, and kept the intensity the entire game. I’m obviously disappointed in the result, but our girls played equally as hard, which made for a great game."
Tough tie for Huron
GROSSE ILE – New Boston Huron seemed to be on the verge of a huge Huron League victory Wednesday, but was forced to settle for a 3-3 tie with Grosse Ile.
“Unfortunately, with 30 seconds left Grosse Ile was awarded a corner kick and pulled their goalie, took the kick and scored on the play leaving the Chiefs in disbelief and a tie instead of the win,” Huron coach Matt Lividini said.
Huron’s Miley Skamiera scored off an assist from Rylie Cassette found Miley Skamiera to tie the game 1-1 at halftime.
Gabby Emelian and Maggie Mentzer scored in the second half to give Huron a two-goal lead before Grosse Ile mounted its comeback.
Riverview routs SMCC
MONROE – St. Mary Catholic Central gave up a goal in the opening minute of the game and things went downhill from there in a 10-1 loss to Riverview Wednesday.
“Certainly not the start we wanted as we enter league play,” SMCC coach Laura Perry said.
Nora Kinsey scored the lone goal while Belle Morin and Isabella Grippi continues played well for the 1-1 Kestrels.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: No. 11 Milan girls soccer tops improved Jefferson-Mason squad
