Crusaders end three-game skid with lopsided win over Kelly

Saxony Lutheran sophomore Camille Richey scored a game-high four goals and Faith Dreyer added two more as the host Crusaders dominated Kelly on Wednesday at home to end their three-game losing streak 9-1 at Saxony Lutheran High School.

Saxony Lutheran started the scoring onslaught just minutes into the match with Richey providing three goals as well as goals by Annie Adams and Dreyer.

“We’ve been playing pretty well but have had some unfortunate results,” Saxony Lutheran coach Chris Crawford said. “We haven't been scoring a ton and finishing games well but tonight we did. We’ve been doing some different things in practices to try and make the goals come easier for us so tonight was a welcome sight.”

Dreyer scored her second goal of the day at the 17:32 mark then sophomore Abigail Haley found the back of the net for the Crusaders after the Hawks scored their lone goal by Kristin Grogan with 17:32 in the second half that seemed to open the flood gates for Saxony Lutheran. Clara Brune added a goal at the 6:22 mark that made it 8-1 then Richey put the game away with her fourth goal with 2:32 left to end the game via mercy rule.

“We’re just looking to continue to get better every day,” Crawford said following the victory. “ We’re playing pretty well defensively and we’ve been able to keep the ball in possession but our final third just hasn’t been there. I tried to rotate as many of our girls into the game today and was happy we could do that because they’ve all been working hard.”

With the win, the Crusaders improve their record to 6-7 on the season while Kelly falls to 4-7-2.

"I couldn't be more proud of these girls," Kelly coach Omar Campos said. "Even though we're a relatively young team our girls go out there and show they have something to prove. We have played a pretty tough schedule and haven't seen many wins come our way facing those tough teams but they are always ready to play and eager to show what they have every day. They play with heart and are very coachable and do what it takes to learn on a daily basis."

Saxony Lutheran will compete in a tournament at Christian High School in O’Fallon, MO. on Friday and Saturday while the Hawks host Poplar Bluff on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Kelly High School.