Dotsons drive Grafton soccer

Grafton High School girls’ soccer coach Jason Rogers remembers losing by the mercy rule to high-end North Shore Conference teams such as Whitefish Bay.

Not this year.

The Black Hawks took a lead on the road on April 21 before the Blue Dukes fought back for a 3-1 win. It was Grafton’s first loss of the season.

The Blue Dukes tied the game before halftime, then scored twice in the second half.

“Whitefish Bay was a tough game,” Rogers said. “We started to tire and they kept possession more.”

Grafton’s leading scorer Katelyn Valenta put the Hawks up in the first half, and the team’s effort and skill didn’t go unnoticed by its opponent.

“Their coach was quite complimentary of our team,” Rogers said.

Two days later at home, the Dotson sisters drove the Hawks to a 3-2 win over Whitnall.

Junior Ava scored twice on breakaways and freshman Mila scored once and had an assist.

“What a day to have both of them. Ava with her composure, nursing an ankle injury and was able to put in 60 minutes,” Rogers said. “Her sister was just unrelenting, going against a center back senior who’s a very good player and physical. Mila has no back down whatsoever. She’s not afraid of anyone.”

The winner came with about 12 minutes left. Junior Abby Widmann fired a 35-yard free kick that Mila put in the back of the net.

Senior Brayleigh Sumner had one assist.

The team didn’t play as sharp as Rogers was hoping, but Valenta, the team’s leading scorer, left the game after 25 minutes with an injury, starter Aliza Emanuele was out with an injury and three of four starters on the back line were missing due to other commitments. Rogers promoted three freshmen who excelled.

Vivienne Goldstein started at outside back and played the entire game, once saving a ball off the goal line. Mia Knetter played 15 to 20 minutes at outside wing and Olivia Schaefer played on the back line.

“It’s good to have those three who are able to hold their own,” Rogers said.

Grafton, 5-1-1, was to host Homestead on Tuesday, April 28. The Hawks host nonconference foe Luxemburg-Casco on Friday, May 1, play at Nicolet on Tuesday, May 5, and at Living Word Lutheran on Wednesday, May 6.