Girl's Soccer Defeats New Providence in Preseason Action

The Summit girl's varsity soccer team won its scrimmage Wednesday, 2-1 over New Providence.

"I thought we played excellent today," head coach Christine Bohan said. "Our defense is solid, and I think it is going to be tough for teams to get past them."

Summit kicked off the scoring on a 38th minute goal from Meghan Klassen thanks to a nice pass from Kate Martino just before the halftime whistle sounded. A high school soccer game usually consists of two 40-minute halves, but this scrimmage was four 20-minute quarters to help with the heat. Bohan didn't seem too worried about the heat when it came to Summit.

"No," Bohan said, when asked if the team was affected by the heat. "I don't think it mattered."

Summit outplayed New Providence in the first half, firing four shots (two on goal) and scoring the one goal. New Providence did not manage a shot on goal in the first half, with Summit's defense swarming the ball and clearing out potential danger.

The third quarter was played more evenly, with the Pioneers firing three shots on goal. However, three nice saves by goalkeeper Jackie Zalis kept New Providence off the scoreboard. Despite not having much possession in the third, Summit was awarded three corner kicks, but couldn't get anything going.

The fourth quarter started badly for Summit, as New Providence equalized in the 64th minute. The Pioneers managed three shots on goal again in the final quarter, but didn't score again. Summit took the lead for good in the 72nd minute on a Kelly Osmulski penalty kick. Osmulski was fouled in the box after dribbling in, and was awarded the undisputed penalty. New Providence threatened with a few more runs in the closing minutes, but the Hilltoppers held on for the one-goal victory.

"We tried a lot of combinations throughout the game," Bohan said. "We learned that every one works well. A lot of players on this team can play multiple positions, and no matter where they play it seems to work."

The team will face Union Catholic today at 3 p.m. in another scrimmage.