Denison-Schleswig girls gain first victory

Denison-Schleswig built a 4-0 lead and finished with a 4-1 win over the Creston girls soccer team here Thursday in a battle of winless teams.

Denison-Schleswig came in 0-3 with losses of 12-0 to Lewis Central, 10-0 to St. Albert and 10-0 to Glenwood — all by the mercy rule — but was able to convert four of its six shots on goal.

Overall, Creston outshot the Monarchs 28-10 with 17 shots on goal, but couldn’t find the net until Toni VanScoy knocked in a rebound shot off the Monarch goalkeeper with eight minutes remaining.

Career goalkeeper Sadie Jones, who started playing in the field for a time Tuesday at Carroll Kuemper, held duty as midfielder all night Thursday and provided a spark to the revived Panther offense. Sophomore Becca Ross had goalie duties.

Despite the loss, Creston coach Kim Lauffer was encouraged her team controlled so much of the action, especially in the second half.

“Yes, I was encouraged,” Lauffer said. “We outshot them, we were playing well. As many times as we shot on the goal, it’s disappointing we didn’t get more than one in, but that just shows me what we need to work on. Our defense is doing a good job, so now we focus on the offense.”

Jones had 11 shots to lead the Panthers and Van Scoy had five in a lineup depleted by injuries. Starting forward Abbie Cook was on crutches with a strained tendon in her hip, and starters Savannah Hartman and Itzayanna Rubio were unable to return after suffering ankle injuries.

“We started the night stronger offensively, especially with Sadie in our midfield,” Lauffer said. “We noticed in the Kuemper match, when Sadie was on the field in the second half they only had nine shots after having 20 in the first half.”

Ross only has JV experience in the goal, and Lauffer said it’s still a learning experience.

“Right now she feels like people expect her to be Sadie,” Lauffer said. “In two years, yes, I will expect that after being coached and trained. It just takes time. Sadie was not as good as she is now when she was starting out, so we don’t want to put too much pressure on her.”

Creston has a few days for some injuries to heal. The next match is Tuesday at Chariton, which is 2-1 for the season after beating Ottumwa, 2-1, on Tuesday.

Denison-Schleswig 4, Creston 1

Creston (1) — Toni VanScoy, 72:18. Shots — 28 (17 on goal). Individual shots — Sadie Jones 11 (5 on goal), VanScoy 5 (4 on goal), Hanna Luther 3 (2 on goal), Shelby Palser 3 (2 on goal), Savannah Hartman 2 (2 on goal), Michelle Powers 1, Corissa Kinkade 1 (1 on goal), Angelica Claytor 1. Keeper saves — Becca Ross 5. Cards — None.

Denison-Schleswig (4) — Jennifer Panzi 12:28; Karla Palacios 17:18; Mariah Krohnke 61:18; Panzi 64:04. Shots — 11 (6 on goal). Saves — Jaxqueline Moran 16.