Controlled play gives girls’ soccer split

September 4, 2012

Courtney Huffman (No. 9) had a clutch assist to teammate Hunter Smith in Punxsy's 2-0 win over Smethport Saturday afternoon. The girls fell to Keystone 0-0 (1-3 on penalty kicks) during the first match, then defeated Smethport in the second match of the season-opening tournament. (Photo by Chris Meyers/The Punxsutawney Spirit)

PUNXSUTAWNEY – The 2012 girls' soccer season kicked off Saturday with Punxsy controlling two matches of its own tournament to earn a split with a 0-0 (1-3 on penalty kicks) loss to Keystone before blanking Smethport, 2-0, in the afternoon.

“Our team played great today,” excitedly told Lady Chucks head coach Kevin Hughes. “We controlled possession, and our passing was very good in both matches.”

In the second match, Ashley Bacha found the net for the first time in the Punxsy season with an unassisted effort 12 minutes into the contest.

For the team’s other tally in the 48th minute, Courtney Huffman passed to Hunter Smith, who found the net for what would be the 2-0 final over Smethport.

The early-morning opener saw a lopsided affair everywhere but on the scoreboard. Punxsy dominated play with strong midfield play and controlled the match holding an 11-1 and 10-1 shot advantages in shooting but could not put the ball past the Keystone keeper.

“We were late on a couple of crosses, but our decision making was lights out. It was a great shielding and checking as well, our transition game was not bad either,” added the coach.

In the two overtime periods just like in regulation, Punxsy totaled 15 shots but did not find the net. The Lady Panthers found the net on their first two penalty kicks in the shootout and three of its first four while the Lady Chucks had Sydney Dubensky make the home team’s lone good attempt.

Punxsy will make it three-straight at home with a 4 p.m. start today against rival Brookville.