They lost to Grand Blanc in the final game of the Division I Regional competition, but the Lake Orion High School varsity girls soccer team can still be proud of their 16-8-2 season this year.
The team defeated Traverse City Central on June 7, 3-1, in regional semifinal play. Jessica Boyle had two goals for the Dragons, while Shelley Marick had one goal on an assist from Jenna Hill.
Margaret Verespie had five saves in the net for Lake Orion.
Coach Ken Snage called this year ‘the best girls soccer season in school history,? and noted that what became his team’s final game was ‘played in extraordinary heat and humidity.?
The Dragons took on Grand Blanc for the regional championship on June 10, at Grand Blanc. Lake Orion had played to a 2-2 tie after regulation and two overtimes, but a final kick from Grand Blanc’s Courtney Shegos tipped the scales as Grand Blanc claimed victory, 3-2.
‘Our well-conditioned Orion athletes competed strong, as well as to their varied strengths,? said Snage. ‘Our team was talented and fast.
‘The game lasted 120 minutes, and went into a shootout with each team getting five penalty kick shooting opportunities,? he said. ‘Grand Blanc scored three goals, and we scored two.?
The Dragons had one goal a piece from Holli Finneren and Boyle. In regulation, Boyle and Shannon Doyle each had a goal and an assist.
‘The game was well played by both teams, and had a championship level of competition that was contested proudly by our team and Grand Blanc,? Snage said.
‘By far this season, our tournament run was the best ever at LOHS.?
The Dragons finish the year undefeated in non-league play, despite a last place finish in OAA I.