Coleman Scores Twice in LHS Win

from the Lakeland Ledger

LAKELAND | Elizabeth Coleman's two goals allowed Lakeland to overcome its many injuries in a 2-0 victory over short-handed McKeel in a tuneup for next week's district tournaments.

Both goals were set up by Oliva Gore.

In the 21st minute, Gore made a nice pass in front of the net. Alexis Patterson, playing sweeper as McKeel coach Steve Schindler moved players around to make up for the loss of injured defender and captain Rebecca Ojeda, gained control of the ball. However, Coleman stole the ball, moved around Patterson and pushed the ball past goalkeeper Emily Chancey.

Early in the second half, the Dreadnaughts (11-10-1) made it 2-0. Gore made a strong run down the left side and ripped a hard shot. Chancey made a difficult save on the high shot. The ball deflected, however, off the crossbar and right to Coleman who was in front of the goal.

In addition to Ojeda, the Wildcats (7-10-3) were without senior co-captain Brooke Phillips, a top scorer, who played only 10 minutes before leaving with an injury.Emily Boyer earned the shutout. She played goal because of injuries to starting keeper Mary Hirsch and Spencer Short, who initially replaced Hirsch this season. The Dreadnaughts also were without injured starters Andi Lott and Caitlyn Wrenn.

The game featured two sister on opposing teams. Senior Samantha Sokolski is a reserve for Lakeland but made a rare start on senior night. She played about the first 23 minutes of the game and the final few minutes.

Freshman Staci Sokolski played about the middle 40 minutes of the game for McKeel. The sisters were on the field together for about three minutes.