Soccer sights on sectionals

February 26, 2018

palatino;> width=312 height=322 />Another shutout win in regional final puts Grafton within two games of state</span></span></h3> <p>Perhaps the Grafton girls’ soccer team should change its nickname from Black Hawks to Steamrollers.</p> <p>Coach Don Arnold’s squad continued its habit of flattening opponents last Saturday by squashing Kewaskum, 7-0, in a WIAA Division 2 regional title game at home.</p> <p>“We came out on fire and went on the attack right away,” Arnold said after watching the Hawks score five first-half goals, including three in the first 12 minutes.</p> <p>“Our team is very confident. They’re excited, they’re healthy and they’re playing well.”</p> <p>Grafton is also complementing its quick-strike offense with a stalwart defense that hasn’t allowed a goal since a 1-0 overtime loss to Germantown on May 18. While compiling a five-game winning streak, the <br />Hawks have outscored foes, 24-0.</p> <p>Six Grafton players scored in Saturday’s win, which included a two-goal effort from sophomore Emma Fatla. Hannah Knauer, Alyssa Arnold, Hannah Eichler, Alli Demerath and Angie Mann also found the net.</p> <p>But coach Arnold said the lion’s share of the credit for the Hawks’ offensive success should go to Carley Pfannerstill, a sophomore forward who had four assists.</p> <p>Pfannerstill fueled her team’s attack by continually making runs deep into the Kewaskum defense, then finding teammates open for finishing shots.</p> <p>“Usually the forwards who attack aggressively look to score,” Arnold said. “Carley was drawing a lot of attention and then setting up other people, which was great to see.”</p> <p>Kewaskum didn’t have a shot on goal until late in the second half, when Grafton reserves received extended <br />playing time.</p> <p>The win improved the Hawks’ record to 17-5-2 heading into sectional play this week. Kewaskum ended the season 10-12-1.</p> <p>In Thursday’s semifinals, Grafton will host Sheboygan Falls at 7 p.m. while Seymour plays Green Bay Notre Dame. The winners will meet at 7 p.m Saturday in Grafton for the sectional title and a berth in next week’s state tournament.</p> <p>The Hawks, who received a first-round bye last week, are the top seed in their sectional bracket and will be <br />favored against No. 2 Falls (19-3-1). However, Arnold expects a tough game against the Falcons, who have allowed only 11 goals this season.</p> <p>“Sheboygan Falls is a quality team,” he said. “They will definitely present a challenge.”</p> <p>Kewaskum 2, Port Washington 0</p> <p>The Pirates dominated play for much of a Division 2 regional semifinal game but couldn’t find the net in a season-ending road loss June 2.</p> <p>“We outplayed them and had an 18-5 edge in shots,” Port coach Sean O’Brien said. “We just couldn’t finish.”</p> <p>The Pirates had a number of near misses, including a shot that struck the crossbar in the final minute of the first half.</p> <p>Kewaskum scored in the 25th minute and held a 1-0 lead at halftime before adding an insurance goal in the 65th minute.</p> <p>“Their game plan was to keep 10 players behind the ball, and they executed it quite well,” O’Brien said of the Indians.</p> <p>“I was proud of the way we played. It was one of our best team efforts.”</p> <p>Port finished the season 2-11-1.</p> <h3><span style=color: #5469ab;><span style=font-family: georgia</p> </body></html>

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Wisconsin’s largest paid circulation community weekly newspaper. Serving Port Washington, Saukville, Grafton, Fredonia, Belgium, as well as Ozaukee County government. Locally owned and printed in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

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