MCDONALD'S SWNEWS4U.COM CO-GAME OF THE WEEK (April 9–16)
SWC GIRLS SOCCER: Prairie du Chien/River Ridge/Seneca 2, Platteville/Lancaster 1
By Derrick Kelley, Courier Press
Blackhawks score first win in program history over Platteville/Lancaster
PLATTEVILLE — The Prairie du Chien/River Ridge/Seneca girls soccer team had an outstanding week, securing three wins in three games.
On Tuesday, April 9, the Hawks traveled to Platteville to take on the Hillmen for the inaugural game on Platteville’s new field.
After a tremendous effort, the Hawks came away with a 2–1 win, securing the Hawks’ first win against Platteville/Lancaster in Prairie du Chien girls soccer history. The Hawks were 0–36 all-time against Platteville/Lancaster — and Platteville before that — going into the game.
The Hawks started off strong offensively, with Addy Kirschbaum capturing the ball in the six yard box and striking the opening goal, and her first career goal, in the 17th minute. The Hawks held the Hillman scoreless for the remainder of the first half, resulting in a 1–0 lead at half.
The Hawks defensive effort remained strong into the second half, with the Hillman unable to score until the 69th minute, when an unfortunate Hawks penalty just outside the box led to a Hillman direct kick and goal. The Hawks battled back with Jasmine Olmstead hitting a perfect ball from the right side, which slid in between the near post and the goalkeeper. That goal, in the 77th minute, gave the Hawk the lead, which they maintained for the remainder of the game. The defensive effort was led by Tessa Czajkowski-Higgins, Kayli Kruk, Addee Torgerson, Hannah Fritsche, and Hannah Dudgeon. Goalkeeper Ava Forde had an excellent night, making several key saves to maintain the close game. The entire team played at their highest level, which led to the Hawks’ 2–1 victory.
On Thursday, April 11, the Hawks took on Wisconsin Heights at home in non-conference competition. The Hawks dominated the game, resulting in a 8–1 win for the Hawks. The Hawks scoring effort was led by Olmstead with four goals, Czajkowski-Higgins with thee goals, Kirschbaum with 1 goal and Fritsche with 1 assist. The Hawks’ defense held Wisconsin Heights to a single goal, and was led by Kruk, Torgerson, H. Dudgeon, Bre Dudgeon, and Serena Corelli.
The Hawks ended the week with another non-conference match, taking on MFL Mar-Mac on Friday night. The Hawks again dominated, winning the match 8–0. The Hawks’ scoring effort was led by Czajkowski-Higgins with six goals and one assist, Kirschbaum with two goals, and Jasmine Olmstead with 2 assists. The Hawks were able to hold MFL scoreless due to a very solid defensive effort by each player on the team.
The Hawks have a few days off and will attempt to extend their winning streak on Thursday at 5 p.m. in Richland Center.
