Packer girls soccer team blanks Spartans on senior night
Published 9:35 pm Thursday, September 28, 2017
- Austin’s Hannah Biwer challenges Rochester Mayo’s Elena Freund during the first half Thursday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Austin girls soccer team was a little down on numbers, but it was up on spirit as it rallied to blank Rochester Mayo (4-8-1 overall, 3-5-1 Big Nine) 1-0 on senior night in Art Hass Stadium Thursday night.
Austin head coach Jake Levisen allowed injured starters Isabel Leuer, Sydney Marsh and Emily Hegna to take the field for the first 10 seconds of the game, but after that they took a seat and watched their teammates take care of business. Austin senior keeper Myia Hoium had eight saves to pick up the shutout as she was motivated by her fellow seniors that weren’t able to play.
Austin’s Isabel Leuer hugs head coach Jake Levisen as she comes off the field. The senior has been injured, but got one last chance to get on the field at the beginning of the game. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
“It really meant a lot [to have Leuer, Marsh and Hegna on the field],” Hoium said. “We did it for the people who couldn’t play. Because we could play we gave it our all and we definitely had our hearts and heads in the game.”
The Packers (5-5-1 overall, 4-4-1 Big Nine) took the lead for good with 4:13 left in the first half when junior Hannah Quandt found the back of the net. Austin nearly went up 2-0 when Hannah Biwer had a breakaway shot saved late in the game.
Austin goalie Myia Hoium makes a stop in the second half against Rochester Mayo Thursday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin senior defender Isabelle Reuter helped keep the Packers in the game early on when she knocked a ball away from the net to break up a Spartan scoring threat.
“Everyone was helping out and we played with teamwork and we played together,” Reuter said.
Austin head coach Jake Levisen said he was glad to honor his injured seniors by getting them on the field and he likes the attitude the Packers have brought to the field this season.
Austin’s Madison Herrick turns the ball upfield in the first half against Rochester Mayo Thursday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
“It’s more than just a game. It’s a family that they’re building with each other,” Levisen said. “We’re going to keep on challenging each other, pushing each other and challenging other teams. We’re going to give more very match. I’m really proud of the seniors and the leadership. We might be playing soccer for 80 minutes, but that family atmosphere is going last a lifetime.”
Austin’s Chloe Sheehan makes a play on the ball in the first half against Rochester Mayo Thursday night at Art Hass Stadium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Packers had 20 shots in the win and Hoium was happy to take down the Spartans.
“It means a ton to win against Mayo,” Hoium said. “We haven’t beaten them in a long time and they’re a very good team.”
Austin will host Rochester Lourdes Monday at 7 p.m.
Sydney Marsh, left, runs off the field with teammate Emily Hegna. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
