Lightning U-8 Girls Keep Up Winning Ways

The Johnston Lightning Under-8 girls soccer team are not only posting an unblemished record so far in session two, but they are also winning with double-digit scores in their session two matches.

On Feb. 25, the squad faced off against the Tigers in their fifth game and maintained their high scoring at Teamworks in Warwick, posting a baker's dozen of goals on the way to a 13-8 win.

"Four of the girls on the team never played indoor soccer before," said head coach Dan Robbins, adding that most of the games have featured high scores — 15 - 6 and 11- 2.

When asked what he feels is the reason is for the high scores, Robbins explained he generally lets the girls get comfortable with one position at a time, and that it's building their confidence.

As the game was about to start, Robbins assigned Kylie Marandola to the goal keeper role. She had some idle time in the beginning, as Emma Salzillo immediately scored two goals, the first helped by an assist from Julia Robbins.

Robbins, a forward who scores several goals in every game, was responsible for adding another three goals for the Lightning team.

Forward Charlene Hohlmaier contributed by kicking in two goals of her own, and earned the praise of Coach Robbins for her production and consistency during the month of February.

Sweeper Sophia Cambio, whose father, Steve, is the assistant coach for the team, was credited for scoring the last goal of the first half, bringing the score to 8-4, Lighting, at the break.

During the half the girls took a well-deserved break. Robbins changed goal keepers, giving Sarah Gasbarro an opportunity to test her skills.

The second half started out similar to the first stanza, with Salzillo and Robbins swapping goals and assists to add three more points to Johnston's advantage.

Holmaier also added to her tally as she scored another goal in the second half. Cambio potted Johnston's final goal on another assist by Robbins, bringing the final score to 13-9.

During the customary exchange of high-fives after the game, Coach Robbins reminded his girls about good sportsmanship.

March 4 is the girls' next game, as they take the challenge the Warwick Fire Fighters squad at 5:50 p.m. at Teamworks in Warwick.