The Oxford Varsity girl’s soccer team broke their losing streak Wednesday night with a 6-1 victory over Linden, but lost to Brandon Friday night 3-4.
Amidst a few rain sprinkles and a slippery field, Oxford dominated the first half scoring five goals against Linden.
Sophomore Kelsey Littmann scored the first goal of the evening and of her season when she buried a shot into the far post.
The action continued not too long after with junior Brittany Moncrieff scoring a goal in front of the net with an assist from freshman Amanda Roth.
The Wildcats kept up the pressure with freshman Beth Downs scoring in front of the net with an assist from Moncrieff. Senior captain Alex Johnson had a nice redirection in front of the net for the fourth goal from junior Brianna Pastewski, and finished the half with a late goal from junior Taylor Dewey.
‘The team has really come together and is starting to play at a very good level with everyone being unselfish and highly motivated,? said Coach Mark Sullivant.
Defensively, Oxford was tough and the players in the back played outstanding. Players include senior captain Jackie Patterson, Johnson, junior Olivia Stevens and freshman Sara Nieboer. Freshman goalkeeper, Sarah Stroope, made 16 saves in the net.
‘All of the four freshman have exceeded my expectations this year,? Sullivant said. ‘We knew it was a gamble and kind if unprecedented in bringing up that many freshman, however the move is now paying off with these players gaining valuable experience at the varsity level.?
Against Brandon, the Blackhawks scored early on, but the Wildcats battled back to tie the game with an unassisted goal from Moncrieff.
Brandon scored again with Oxford following them with 30 seconds left on the clock. The point was made by junior Colleen Turley.
Oxford fought hard in the final 15 minutes of the game, with with Moncrieff again scoring on a scrum in front of the net, but it was too little too late.
Oxford’s FML record is now 3-4-1.
They start the first round of district play against Avondale on Tuesday, May 27, at 6 p.m.