PVHS hosted Schenck Friday evening in the season opener for both teams. The game was a back and forth battle early as the speedy Wolverines ran stride for stride with the Howlers. PV held the first half shot advantage with 10 strikes to Schenck’s 8. Schenck’s game plan was evident from the start as PV senior striker Lexi Ireland drew man to man coverage at all times.
With 13 minutes left in the first half Lyndsay McKechnie tossed a midfield throw-in to Emily St. Cyr. St. Cyr immediately found the tightly guarded Ireland who dribbled past pressure to launch a 24 yard shot into the back of the net. That goal was Ireland’s 86th of her career, tying the school record set by Amy Hallett in 2015.
Schenck would tie the game eight minutes into the 2nd half as Cassie Russell sent a right footed cross into the box to a charging Hannah Sewall. Sewall deflected the ball off PV keeper Emilee Ireland’s hands, before sending it into the goal.
The Howlers would take the lead for good when Natalie Spencer played a midfield ball into Lexi Ireland. Ireland turned and played a great thru ball into a cutting St. Cyr, who sent the left footed shot past Schenck goalie Katrina Gagnon. Later in the 2nd half the Howlers would score again as Delaney Theriault crossed a ball in from the right side that again found St. Cyr for the score. With just over 3 minutes to play, Emma Buck lofted a ball into Lexi Ireland, who fought through two defenders to get her line drive shot past a diving Gagnon. The game would finish 4-1 PVHS, as Lexi Ireland set a new school record for career goals with 87. Emilee Ireland had 12 saves on 17 shots for the 1-0 Howlers while Katrina Gagnon finished with 11 saves on 24 shots for the Wolverines.
