Five different players scored for the Stevens Point girls’ soccer team as the Panthers handed Waupaca a 5-0 defeat April 7 in the Comets’ season opener.
The Panthers took a 2-0 lead into halftime on goals from Abby Bohanski and Solveig Gjerstad and added to their lead with second-half goals from Jennifer Hoerter, Anna Zajakowski and Casey Jahn.
Stevens Point also held the Comets to no shots on goal.
“We never got anything going offensively,” coach Mark Polebitski said. “We need to work on developing some creativity up front. There was some good individual play, but things did not connect between the players. The game helped us identify some areas we need to work on. SPASH is one of the best teams in the area and they showed up to play. We had trouble adjusting to the speed of play. SPASH moved the ball well and played tough in-your-face defense on every possession.”
The Comets can learn from the game, according to Polebitski.
“Playing a great team exposes does indeed expose weaknesses and we now have some things to build upon,” he said. “What is important is how we move forward from here. We have a great group of players who I am confident will rise to the challenge.”
Comet goalkeeper Josee Waitrovich finished with 13 saves, with one of them coming on a penalty kick in the first half.
“On the brighter side, Josee made a great save on a penalty in the first half,” Polebitski said. “She made all the routine saves and one spectacular save in the second half. Overall, she played solid while seeing a ton of action.”
Waupaca will head to Hortonville at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, for a nonconference matchup with the Polar Bears. Waupaca will also open Eastern Valley Conference play at 7 p.m. Monday, April 14, at home against Freedom.