May 10, 2017 at 2:41 p.m.
Hodags blank Pines 3-0 to remain perfect in GNC
Hodags blank Pines 3-0 to remain perfect in GNC
Northland Pines was the latest team the Hodags shut down as Sydney Zettler scored twice and Alayna Franson added a goal in a 3-0 victory over the Eagles Tuesday at Mike Webster Stadium.
Tuesday's result moved Rhinelander to 8-0-0 in the GNC with six conference games remaining. Five of those are against teams in the bottom five of the conference table. Despite having a game and a half in hand on second-place Ashland, the Hodags aren't celebrating another conference title just yet.
"We're taking these games one game at a time, no matter who the opponent is," Hodag coach Dan Millot said. "We're going into each game with the attitude it's a one-game season."
The Hodags took control early in the first half as Zettler and Franson scored 69 seconds apart. Zettler scored off a pass from Franson in the 13th minute and Franson scored in the 15th minute after blocking a clearance attempt by Northland Pines keeper Hadley Kruse.
"The first goal was really nice and the second goal, Alayna's, was we took advantage of one of their mistakes and Alayna made them pay for it. That's what she needs to do," Millot said.
Rhinelander maintained the 2-0 lead until the 53rd minute when Zettler finished just inside the left goalpost following a pass to the top of the 18 by Lauryn Cook.
Tuesday's results was much less dramatic for the Hodags than the first time they played Northland Pines this season. Rhinelander trailed 1-0 most of the way in the April 13 contest in Eagle River before scoring twice in the final nine minutes to earn a 2-1 victory.
"I thought we played a much better game tonight from start to finish. We did a pretty nice job of controlling the ball," Millot said.
Part of Rhinelander's success was containing reigning conference offensive player of the year Lexi Smith. Smith, who is currently fourth in the GNC in scoring, was held off the scoresheet Tuesday, something Millot credited to a change in tactics used against the Pines' star player.
"Tonight was the first time in two years I decided not to man mark her and I thought that helped our overall game because we didn't have one person just dedicated to her. We just played and took care of business," he said. "Lexi's a heck of a player and tonight I think we just had her number. She did get a few shots off tonight that came close but the team was up to the challenge."
Rhinelander outshot Northland Pines 34-11 in the match. Abby Oettinger recorded four saves in the victory. Though she wasn't challenged often, Millot said the senior keeper played well.
"Pines had some opportunities and Abby Oettinger had a heck of a game tonight," he said. "She was in the right position on every single shot and her catches tonight were absolutely clean. She didn't bobble the ball. Everything was in her hands, held securely."
Kruse made 15 saves in defeat for Northland Pines.
Rhinelander plays back-to-back road conference games to close out the week at Mosinee and Antigo. Both games have altered start times. Kickoff for Thursday's game at Mosinee will at 6:15 p.m. at Edgewood Park. Rhinelander and Antigo will play at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Listle Field.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.