CCA improves record to 5-4-2

FIELD BATTLE - Amherst Central's Ellen Janicki (9) battles with Starpoint's Brittany Bratek during a 2-1 home loss on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Amherst is 4-4 in ECIC Division III and 5-6 overall. Photo by John Rusac

After 11 games, the Christian Central Academy girls soccer team is 5-4-2.

In the past week, the team won two games and tied one. CCA defeated St. Mary's, 3-2, and Henrietta Christian from Rochester, 3-0. They tied Park, 2-2.

Against St. Mary's, CCA scored early as forward Alicia Fairclough found the net with an assist from forward Katie Smith. St. Mary's Sarah Dutro tied the game with an assist from Carol Sullivan. Before halftime, CCA's Ashley Tom scored with an assist from Smith.

In the second half, CCA captain Jenni Albrecht had a low shot go in the net to put CCA ahead 3-1. Her younger sister, Laura had the assist. St. Mary's Rachelle Besser scored unassisted.

CCA goalie Leanne Hoppe played well and had a save on a St. Mary's penalty kick. Hoppe's defense had a good day and only allowed eight St. Mary's shots on goal against CCA's 16 shots. CCA defenders included Amie Stuitje, Sarah Wade, Kristen Ganze and Tayler Hobba.

CCA coach Joe Karnath said the Park game was the "mud-fest" of the century.

"It was played in terrible conditions to make a hard fought, yet at times funny game with all sliding and falling like a circus act," he said. "Both teams worked hard on the horrendous playing field."

CCA's Smith scored early on an assist from sophomore Megan Salzman. Early in the second half, Park scored two goals to go up 2-1. CCA pressed on for a second goal by Tom with a minute to go in the game. Neither team could score in overtime and the game ended in a 2-2 tie. Once again CCA's defense played tight and only allowed nine shots versus CCA's 17.

In the Henrietta contest, CCA's Tom scored early with an assist from freshman Faye-Lynn Noel. In the second half, Henrietta tightened up their game but CCA still managed to score two more goals. Noel had shot in the net with help from sophomore Rebecca De Rose.

Smith closed out the game with a nice shot and an assist from forward Tom. CCA goalie Hoppe recorded the shutout but received a lot of help from the whole team which gave Henrietta only four shots. Senior captains Shannon Firth and Joanna Mroz gave nice efforts as did Jessica Ganze, Katie McAllister and twins Sarah and Rachel Caputi, said Karnath.

CCA goalie Hoppe has 3.5 shutouts for the season.