Lightning Under-8 Girls Win Last Game in Session Two Against E-WG, 8-4

The Johnston Lightning Under-8 B division girls soccer team played their last game in session 2 on March 25, finishing the same way they played all session by stacking up a pile of goals, this time against the Exeter-West Greenwich team, winning 8-4 at Teamworks in Warwick.

The Lightning girls may still be developing their soccer skills, but out of eight teams playing in session 2, Johnston secured an impressive tie for first place with the Warwick Firefighters squad (there are no playoffs for the under-8 girls).

Johnston's record going in to their last game was 7-1-0, with Exeter -West Greenwich posting a 4-4-0 record.

Kylie Marandola, who is credited with many good saves, was assigned to her usual goalkeeper role by head coach Dan Robbins.

Less than five minutes into the first half, Alex Baxter booted in the first goal of the game for her Lightning team.

"This is Alex's first time playing soccer," noted Robbins.

Teammates Sarah Gasbarro and Emma Salzillo each added a goal of their own to the Johnston side of the scoreboard. Julia Robbins was credited with the last three goals of the first half, giving Johnston a 6-4 lead at the half.

During the break, Coach Robbins told the girls to keep up the good work and reminded them to communicate with one another and pass the ball. Coach Robbins assigned Baxter to guard the net in the second half.

It was 10 minutes into the seocnd half when Julia Robbins again got a hold of the soccer ball and scored the seventh goal for Johnston, giving the team a comfortable cushion.

Although E-WG had a couple of free kicks, they were unable to capitalize on them because of Johnston's tight defense and determination to keep their opponents at bay.

 Salzillo added the final goal to make the score 8-4.

Coach Robbins said the under-8 girls are not playing an outside spring session; instead, he hopes to get enough girls to play another indoor session at Teamworks in Warwick.