Petoskey soccer ties TC West, Rams top Ramblers; PHS golf cards season-low
TRAVERSE CITY — When you’re playing the top team in a league as tough as the Big North Conference, anything but a loss feels like a win.
That includes of course a tie.
Visiting Traverse City West Thursday in a BNC showdown, the Petoskey girls’ soccer team picked up exactly that with a 1-1 final against the Titans.
“This was a great result on the road against a very good team,” Petoskey coach Zach Jonker said. “West had the wind in the first half and a majority of the possession but we did a good job absorbing most of it.
“We showed a lot of resiliency after a tough road loss Tuesday and then conceding tonight right before the half. We grew into the game in the second half and had much more of the ball and put them under some pressure.”
West opened the scoring just two minutes into the game off a quick throw in and cross, then the game went to half in a 1-0 Titan lead.
Petoskey’s Hayley Flynn then tied things up with 11 minutes to go on a penalty kick, which she drew herself on a partial breakaway.
While it wasn’t a win, Jonker had a lot to be proud of in the game, which included the play of a pair on his back end that held a tough West player at bay and his young keeper allowing just the lone goal.
“Emma Nicholson and Audrey Corey both did a fantastic job of keeping Allie Jo McKenna, West's dynamic center forward, in check,” he said. “Sadie Corey got off her line well and showed really secure hands to collect a few dangerous crosses in the second half.
The tie now sends Petoskey into its hosted tournament this weekend with a bit of momentum to build off.
Petoskey (6-1-1) will open at 10 a.m. with Muskegon Oakridge. Other teams making the trip include: Cedar Springs, Dexter, Grand Blanc, Ludington, Marquette and Harbor Springs.
LAKE MICHIGAN
Harbor Springs at Boyne City
BOYNE FALLS — It seems odd league rematches are already happening, but the spring moves quick.
The Boyne City and Harbor Springs girls’ soccer teams met up on the pitch for a second time this season Thursday, with Harbor Springs this time getting the win in a 1-0 final.
It comes after the Ramblers topped the Rams in a 1-0 game in early April.
Harbor Springs coach Aaron Riley applauded his backline on the day, with Josie Baker, Ava Baker, Claire Hayhurst and Grace Hayhurst all helping keep the shutout intact.
“Our backline has been unreal with their organization and communication,” said Riley. “They are fun to watch."
Ava Baker scored the lone goal for the Rams, with Hailey Fisher earning the win in goal.
For Boyne City, Maggi McHugh and Mya Pofahl each spent time in goal, making three saves combined.
Boyne (5-4-1) will return to action on Friday vs. Glen Lake, while Harbor Springs (7-4) will try to build on its four-game win streak and four-game shutout streak when they open the Petoskey Invite this Saturday at 10 a.m. against Grand Blanc.
"We will be tested all day long but I think we’ll be competitive,” added Riley. “This gives the girls a chance to go against some great soccer programs from across the state."
Charlevoix at Grayling
GRAYLING — Charlevoix soccer hit the road and returned home from Grayling with an 8-0 mercy victory Thursday, getting them back on track after a pair of losses.
"I was very pleased with our passing tonight,” Charlevoix coach Pete Scholten said. “We had several lovely combinations which led to a lot of scoring opportunities. I am proud of the girl's efforts and we are making great strides in improving our overall game performance."
Mikayla Sharrow scored five goals for the Rayders, then added two assists, Kyle Rice scored three goals and Camryn Turkelson had two assists. Anna Kate Smith also had an assist and Addison Boop earned the win in net.
Charlevoix moved to 4-3-2 overall and will next host Leland the Friday.
GOLF
Petoskey at West Branch CC
WEST BRANCH — Season best performances came all around for the Petoskey boys’ golf team Thursday, as they lowered their round from earlier in the week by over 30 strokes at the West Branch Country Club.
Playing in an Ogemaw Heights hosted Falcon Invitational, Petoskey carded a 330 to earn the overall win. Host Ogemaw was second with a 338.
“Part of it is not knowing the course very well and playing smart,” Petoskey coach Chad Loe said on bringing in the season-low. “Nobody goes out and intentionally plays foolish, but the guys were intentional about positon golf today. It wasn’t just stand on the tee box and rip a shot. It was great to go there and play a course we’re not familiar with and do well.”
Along with the team score coming as a new season low, Loe’s group had four career best rounds, led by sophomore Max Faulkner with a second place 76.
“Just smooth, easy tempo from Max today,” said Loe. “He wasn’t trying to hit the ball further than the irons would allow, he was just steady.”
Senior Collin Caporosso also shot an 83, sophomore Andrew Licata shot an 84 in his second varsity start and senior Parker Streiff shot an 87. All three rounds were personal bests.
Petoskey also had Zach Reid shoot a 96, Emmett Ratliff shot 102 and for the Petoskey junior varsity, Gavin Galbraith shot 93 and Brady Lamb pulled together some strong shots on the day.
Petoskey will next head to the Traverse City Tee Off this Friday and Saturday, before getting in some Big North action next week.
Contact Sports Editor Drew Kochanny at dkochanny@petoskeynews.com. Follow him on Twitter, @DrewKochanny, and Instagram, @drewkochanny
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Petoskey soccer ties TC West, Rams top Ramblers; PHS golf cards season-low
