A showdown between two of the state’s best girls soccer programs might not have had the result for which Lake Orion fans were hoping.
But Lake Orion varsity coach Ken Snage said just playing in those tense games makes the team stronger for the even bigger games they’ll face down the road.
The Dragons, ranked eighth in the state, fell to fourth-ranked Rochester, 2-0, at LOHS on April 11.
‘We had some opportunities,? Snage said. ‘The thing I get concerned about is when we don’t get chances.?
The coach praised his team’s effort, and felt the two teams were relatively equal throughout the game.
‘Sometimes the bounces just don’t quite go your way,? he said, citing LO’s 2-0 win over Rochester Adams earlier in the year as being on the other end of the spectrum.
‘My kids played with some strong resolve,? Snage added. ‘We will seize those opportunities more often than not.?
Rochester got a goal in each half to improve to 1-0-1 in OAA I play.
The Dragons fell to 1-1-1 in the league, and 7-1-1 overall.
Lake Orion played without injured star Jenna Hill, who Snage said should return after spring break.
‘When you don’t have an All-Stater in your lineup, you definitely miss her,? he said.
The coach did note that having to play without Hill should make the team stronger when she returns.
‘Everyone in our league has to play around injuries,? he said. ‘It’s a given.?
Overall, Snage was pleased with his team’s strong start to the season, and said they were starting to learn what it takes to compete at a high level.
Snage said his players will have some time off before entering the second half of the season.
They will next host Troy on April 25.