A balanced attack helped Howard come back from a 2-0 deficit to beat Atholton, 17-8, Friday. Both teams entered the contest with 4-0 records in Howard County.
In a game that is determined by draw control, Howard's midfield came through.
"[Atholton] was controlling the draw and then all of a sudden the light went on and we started getting it and they couldn't stop us," said Howard coach Alleesha Davidson.
Goalie Sam Sagi made a save in the first half that got her team rolling. The Lions took Sagi's save up field for a quick score of their own.
"Sam had a great game in goal. They had some dead-on shots and she came up with some nice saves," Davidson said.
Jenny Kinsey, Katie Schluederberg, Ella Orzechowski and Kendall Wells made it difficult for Atholton's defense. Each girl scored three goals, and seven of Howard's goals were assisted.
"We were moving and passing the ball like I've never seen them do before," Davidson said.
She also had kudos for her team's defense.
"This was a great team effort. Some of the plays we had were beautiful," Davidson said.
Howard will be tested next week, playing both Marriotts Ridge and Mt. Hebron.
Howard 17, Atholton 8
Goals: Ho — Katie Schluederberg 3, Emma Orzechowski 3, Jenny Kinsey 3, Kendall Wells 3, Kelsey Savje 2, Grace Regal 2, Emileigh Scott. A — Rachel Foster 3, Emma Johnson 2, Meaghan Quinn, KK Shepherd, Kelley Flynn.
Assists: Ho — Jenny Kinsey 4, Kelsey Savje 2, Ella Orzechowski. A — Ashley Martin 2, Rachel Foster.
Saves: Ho — Sam Sagi 4. A — Yasi Brewer 4.
Other scores:
River Hill 11, Wilde Lake 2
Gabby Hamburger, a freshman, celebrated her older sister Emily's return to the field by scoring a game-high six goals as River Hill notched its first county victory of the season. Returning from a knee injury she suffered last year, Emily added a goal to the Hawks' cause.
Julia Bohse and Kate Glaros tallied for Wilde Lake. Keeper Jenna Oler had 15 saves and six ground balls.
"I was encouraged by our effort tonight," said Wilde Lake coach Sean McHale.
"River Hill got a great game from their goalie [Annie Maloney]," he added.
Goals: RH — Gabby Hamburer 6, Paige Caprara 2, Kendall Stull 2, Emily Hamburer. WL — Julia Bohse, Kate Glaros.
Saves: RH — Annie Maloney, NA. WL — Jenna Oler 15.
Marriotts Ridge 26, Oakland Mills 1
Goals: MR — Lily Kennedy 3, Cassie Evans 3, Katie Wardle 3, Casey Sullivan 2, Caroline Blalock 2, Emma Stukenberg 2, Caitlin Ohmnacht 2, Sarah Blalock 2, Hayleigh Simpson 2, Joan Condron. OM — Christine Devine.
Assists: MR — Caroline Blalock 2, Emma Stukenberg 2, Annalise Lower 2, Katie Wardle 2, Lily Kennedy, Lexi Souder. OM — none.
Saves: MR — Caroline Moore 0. OM — Candace Hammond 7, Roshae Roberts.
Halftime: Marriotts Ridge, 16-0.
Centennial vs. Long Reach
(This game has been postponed until April 22.)
Thursday's games:
Oldfields 14, Chapelgate 13 (2OT)
Goals: O — Grace P. 7, MIkaela 3, Natalie D. 2, Katie D. 2. CCA — Abby Heffler 3, Katherine Cameron 2, Emma Rufolo 2, Jenna Winand 2, Katie Rolewicz, Emily Frenz, Lindsey Heffler.
Assists: O — Mikaela 2, Natalie D. CCA — Jenna Winand, Julia del Carmen, Emma Rufolo, Sydney Carnock, Casey Garlic.
Saves: O — Camile K. 13. CCA — Jasa Curry 8.
Halftime: 6-5. Regulation, 12-12.
Glenelg Country School 10, Mercy 5
Goals: GCS — Hannah Glaros 4, Julia Sheehan 2, Alyssa Arnold 2, Lizzy Rice, Megan Hooper. M — H. Workmeister 2, R. Rumbley 2, C. Cummings.
Assists: GCS — Megan Hooper, Alyssa Arnold, Julia Sheehan. M — E. Finnessy.
Saves: GCS — Kelly Layton 18. M — T. Sisk.
Halftime: Glenelg Country, 5-3.
Glenelg 13, Reservoir 3
Goals: G — not available. Re — Michelle Armstrong, Elena Martino, Anna Janush.
Assists: not available.
Saves: G — not available. Re — Elizabeth Hyde 2.
Halftime: Glenelg, 6-0.
Mt. Hebron 9, Marriotts Ridge 7
Goals: MH — Jen Giles 4, Jordan Stevens 2, Chachi Kelehan, Cammy Case, Erin Demek. MR — Lexi Souder 3, Caroline Blalock, Emma Stukenberg, Annalise Lower, Sarah Blalock.
Assists: MH — Sorana Larson, Jordan Stevens, Ally Unkenholz. MR — Caroline Blalock, Caitlin Ohmnacht, Lexi Souder.
Saves: MH — Jen Schaaf 7. MR — Caroline Moore 16.
Halftime: Mt. Hebron, 6-2.
Wednesday game:
Howard 21, Hammond 2
Goals: Ho — Ella Orzechowski 3, Grace Regal 3, Kendall Wells 3, Kelsey Savje 2, Katie Schluederberg,, Zoe Summa, Katie Martin, Maura Mead, Madison Savje, Catherine Sims, Emileigh Scott, Jess Vetter, Riley Sipes, Rosie O'Conner. Ha — Kate Wegman, Zoe Pekins.
Assists: Ho — Ella Orzechowski 3, Katie Schluederberg 2, Katie Martin 2, Jess Vetter, Rosie O'Conner. Ha — none.
Saves: Ho — Lauren Ferraro 3, Sam Sagi 2. Ha — Madison Eaton 9.
Standings (as of April 10)
Howard, 5-0 county, 8-0 overall
Mt. Hebron, 3-0, 5-0
Centennial, 3-0, 3-0
Atholton, 4-1, 4-1
Marriotts Ridge, 3-1, 5-1
Glenelg, 3-1, 4-1
Reservoir, 2-2, 3-3
Hammond, 1-3, 2-4
River Hill, 1-4, 2-5
Long Reach, 0-4, 0-4
Wilde Lake, 0-4, 0-6
Oakland Mills, 0-5. 0-5
Glenelg Country School, 4-1 (IAAM B), 4-3
Chapelgate, 1-3 (IAAM C), 2-3