Sartell Girls Soccer Tops Rocori 2-0 Behind Young Roster
The short version
- Sartell defeated Rocori 2-0 in a girls soccer match in Cold Spring, Minn.
- Natalie Koltes scored a first-half penalty; Mollie Statsick added the second goal.
- Sartell has only three seniors and is aiming for a return to the state tournament.
- Rocori had won five of its last six games entering the match.
- Sartell hosts Fergus Falls on Sept. 24; Rocori plays at Apollo on Sept. 29.
Natalie Koltes and Mollie Statsick scored as the Sabres, who carry only three seniors, shut out a Rocori side that had won five of six.
Junior captain Natalie Koltes opened the scoring late in the first half with a penalty kick into the top right corner, giving Sartell a 1-0 halftime lead in Cold Spring, Minn. Senior forward Mollie Statsick added a second-half goal to complete the 2-0 win over Rocori.
Sartell head coach Andrea Benninghoff said her team's plan was to move the ball quickly, and the Sabres created a significant edge in shots during the opening half, keeping Rocori junior goalie Ally Terwey busy. Benninghoff also praised the defensive effort, singling out Mya Ramirez's role in preserving the shutout.
Rocori, which had won five of its previous six games, pushed for a response in the second half. Eighth grader Jasmine Perez repeatedly created chances, but the Spartans could not break through. Coach Grant Johnson said his team started slowly and that the goal just before halftime was a costly blow, though he felt his players battled throughout the second half.
Sartell's roster features only three seniors: Statsick, fellow captain Hayvenn Schroeder, and defender Hawa Schmidt. Benninghoff said the young squad has made strides after a rocky start to the season and continues to build confidence ahead of sectionals.
Sartell hosts Fergus Falls on Sept. 24, while Rocori travels to Apollo on Sept. 29.
Written by the Matchday Live desk from reporting by Yahoo Sports.
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