The Marblehead High girls soccer team didn’t waste any time to give their new coach her first varsity victory.
First-year coach Lisa Wales was able to witness the winning team effort against host Beverly that resulted in the 1-0 triumph, which even included a weather delay.
“After a lightning delay (on Friday afternoon, Sept. 8), we finally got under way,” said Wales. “Beverly came out strong and aggressive, but we were able to make some adjustments at halftime, and so at the 20-minute mark of the second half Sadie Halpern took a pass from Liv Carlson to account for the eventual game-winner. We were able to hold onto that lead for the remainder of the game.”
COURTESY PHOTOS / ALEXA SINGER
Goalie Kate Burns came up with nine critical saves to preserve the shutout road win. At the other end of the field, Burns’ teammates were credited with 16 shots on the Beverly net.
“This was an all-around team effort all around,” added the new Magicians coach. “Sofia Grubor and Ainsley McDonald came off the bench to give us some crucial minutes, while the likes of Katie Pyne and Kate Twomey stepped up their defensive play in the second half.
“Halpern, Carlson and Sydney Ball did their jobs offensively, and our center backs Talia Selby and Grace Mortensen were calm under pressure on our back line,” added Wales. “It was good to get our first game together under our belts, and also get that first win. We have some things to work on, and build on this momentum from here.”
The Marblehead girls are set to take on rival Swampscott in the home opener on Monday, Sept. 1. The homestand continues Wednesday, Sept. 13, against Danvers, another formidable Northeastern Conference opponent, starting at 4 p.m. to complete the team’s first full-week on the 2023 schedule.
