Rams’ season ends at regional opener

A pair of second half goals lifted Sergeant Bluff-Luton to a 3-1 victory over Glenwood in the Class 2A regional girls soccer opening round Thursday in Glenwood.

“The girls worked so hard and had tons of shots,” said Glenwood coach Amy Benson. “We had trouble getting it past their keeper. I  am definitely proud of the girls’ effort and know they gave it their all.  It just wasn’t our game today.  We are disappointed we were not able to make it farther into the postseason, but we are happy with our continued improvement throughout the season.”

After the Warriors took an early 1-0 lead on a Daphne Zimmerman goal following a Glenwood hand ball penalty, the Rams’ Taylor Bardsley knifed through the defense for an unassisted goal in the 31st minute to knot the score at 1-1.

The score would remain even until the 45th minute. A breakaway goal by Brooklyn Huberty put Sergeant Bluff-Luton ahead 2-1.

Glenwood’s attack never let up in the final 25 minutes and twice had shots hit the cross bard but were unable to find the back of the net.

In the 75th minute, the Warriors added an insurance goal from Paetin Comes to go up 3-1 with less than six minutes to go.

“We were trying to even the score,” Benson said. “(Goalkeeper) Kendall (Bardsley) came out and made a save, but it went to the back door right to one of their players and they got their third goal.”

The Rams close out their season with a record of 9-8. Sergeant Bluff-Luton advanced to take on Council Bluffs Lewis Central in the 2A, Region 1 semifinals.

Tri-Center 2,
Glenwood 1

Tri-Center scored both of its goals in a two minute span midway through the first half and held on in a scoreless second half for a 2-1 victory over Glenwood in the regular season finale for both teams last Tuesday.

The Rams got on the board first when Taylor Bardsley took an assist from Katelyn Malcom and found the back of the net in the 14th minute.

But Glenwood couldn’t hold the lead for long. Samantha Brich added the equalizer in the 23rd minute. Less than two minutes later, Alyssa Baatz connected off a set piece to put the Trojans ahead for good.

Glenwood continued to press in the second half but could never penetrate the Tri-Center defense.

“I was happy with the way the girls played,” said Glenwood coach Amy Benson.  “We had a five minute time period where we let up and Tri-Center was able to get two goals.  We tried really hard in the second half to even the score, but were unable to find the back of the net.”