CL girls continue roll; top GHV in a close contest

The Clear Lake girls soccer team improved to 3-0 with a pair of wins last week.  The Lions recorded close wins over Garner-Hayfield/Ventura and Mason City to remain unbeaten.

CL 1, GHV 0

The Lions out-shot Garner-Hayfield/Ventura 13-5, but scored just one goal in a match played Thursday, April 10.  That one goal was enough, as Clear Lake shut out the Cardinals, 1-0.

Ivy Hogg, with two great dribble moves, scored in the 19th minute of the game for the Lions.

Goalie Ellie Biebesheimer had five saves for the night and played well in the box for the Lions.  Coach Nick DiMarco noted that Madison Faber had three non-goalie saves in the game and Erin O’Tool had two non-goalie saves.

“Our defense improved as the night went on, giving Garner very few chances in the second half,” added DiMarco. “I was very happy with how the girls played.  I’m certain as the season progresses many of the shots that just missed will be going in for goals.”

GHV Coach Josh Banse said he was pleased with his team’s effort in the game.

“Not many coaches would say they are extremely proud of their players after a loss.  I am.  We lost to this team by multiple goals three times last year.  To play them that tough is a huge step in the right direction.”

The coach praised the defensive play of Maddie Tusha and Autumn Prehn and said he felt Payton Bamrick and Mackenzie Haag controlled the middle of the field nicely.

“It will be fun when we meet again,” said Banse.  “This is becoming a good little rivalry.”

CL 3, MC 2

On Friday, it was rivalry soccer at its best.  The Lions battled back to defeat Mason City, 3-2.

Clear Lake was down early in the match, with Mason City scoring in the seventh minute of the night.  However, the Lions responded soon after with Logan Anderson scoring, thanks to a long assist pass from Emily Phalen.

Anderson scored again in the 26th minute of the first half, making the score at half 2-1.

Mason City came out of the break fired up and evened the score with a goal in the first three minutes of play.  That didn’t last long because Anderson completed her hat trick during the 50th minute with an assist from Bailey Kibsgaard.  

From that point on, Clear Lake played stout defense.  

“Jessica Faber, Beca Bredlow, Katie Hewett, Erin O’Tool and Madison Faber did a great job keeping the Mason City forwards in check,” said Coach DiMarco.   

For the remainder of the game there was only one goal opportunity for Mason City that was a corner kick that Ellie Biebesheimer snatched out of the air.

Clear Lake plays again on Monday, April 28.  They will be hosting Humboldt for a 5:30 p.m. game.