Lions Shutout Franklin on Senior Night

Dulaney High School girl's varsity soccer added another win to its record (4-4-1) on a chilly night against Franklin High (2-8) with a 3-0 shutout.

The Lions' hopes for a county championship are still alive after the win Wednesday night. If Loch Raven High School loses and the Lions are able to sweep a three-game schedule next week, Dulaney could be raising the trophy come November. Dulaney lost to Loch Raven earlier this year.

"We have progressively gotten better over our season," Dulaney head coach Brett Smith said.

Strong performances from Melissa Kim, Regina Ledesma and Sarah DelBene, helped with Lions edge Franklin, who were playing their final game at home this season.

Franklin started the game introducing the eight seniors on the team, escorted on the field by family members.

"We are really pumped and have eight [seniors] who we are ready to get out there, be focused and are ready to pounce," head coach Jackie Gordon said before the game.

However, playing under the lights, it was the Lion's that shined. Kim led the attack with her acute handing and dribbling skills against the Indians throughout the game.

The Indians maintained good positioning, but couldn't keep the ball down the field. A chipped the ball into Franlin's defensive third opened the door for Kim to draw the first point just nine minutes in.

Franklin keeper Chelsea Weinstein's 13 saves in the match, weren't enough to keep the Lions at bay.

Carly Blatt was next to try to score, but the busy Weinstein had another save. The cheers from the Indians fans were quieted soon after when Kim assisted the next goal to Regina Ledesma.

Franklin's midfielder Marguerite Montanye started up the next play lofting the ball high to try jump-start the Indians' offense. But the team's hesitations allowed Dulaney to take advantage and push the ball back for more attempts at goal.

Franklin's defense did well to keep the score close at 2-0 going into the half.

Lion's forward Ledesma was awarded a yellow card half way through the second stanza after a tackle sent her opponent sprawling. The caution, however, didn't stop the Lion's from attacking until the final whistle blew.

Blatt's sideline kick at goal was prevented with a big save, but Weinstein couldn't keep her hands on the ball and Sarah DelBene recovered, lofting the ball into the net to end the game 3-0 in Dulaney's favor.

"We really stepped it up. We are in shape and this colder weather did not affect us. ... We also changed our lineup due to two injured girls [who were] sidelined," Smith said.

The girls will be back in action Monday for the first of a three-game schedule next week. They play Towson High School at 4 p.m. in Timonium.