Johns Creek, Georgia – The Cambridge Lady Bears dominated the pitch to take home the shut out win against the Northview High School Titans 3-0 on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.
From the first whistle, most of the action was happening around the Northview goal. Just minutes into the first half, Sophomore Aurora Gaines took a strong shot that went right off the Goal Keepers fingers. The shot resulted in the first of 5 corner kicks for the night. The ball bounced around and was cleared by the Titans defense. The Bears offense would find early success just 10 minutes into the first half. Senior Captain Kate Leibel made a quick pass to Senior Captain Ella Ciardullo who dribbled the ball quickly across the field and around the Northview defenders. Ciardullo took a strong shot which was deflected by the Northview goalie toward the right side where Junior Forward Katelyn Hardwick was able to make contact and take the second effort shot on goal to score. The Lady Bears took the early lead 1-0.
The first half continued to be an offensive game for the Bears. Senior Captains Kate Leibel and Ella Ciardullo connected on several passes and Sophomore Aurora Gaines used her footwork to make plays against the Northview defense taking 4 of her 8 shots on goal for the night. With 8 minutes left in the half, Junior Gaby Sanchez passed the ball up the sideline to Junior Katelyn Hardwick who dribbled forward and crossed the ball in front of the net for Senior Captain Kate Leibel whose shot went just wide. With 4 minutes left in the half, Kate Leibel passed the ball to Freshman Midfielder Maddy Ward who battled hard against the Titan Defender to break free and make a perfect pass to Sophomore Aurora Gaines. Gaines took a hard shot, and the ball went cleanly into the back of the net. The Lady Bears would go into the half leading 2-0.
The second half was marked with terrific passing and teamwork by the Lady Bears. The Titans started to play a little more physical, but the Bears matched their intensity. Fifteen minutes into the second half a yellow card was given to a Bears Defender. Minutes later, Senior Ella Ciardullo was brought down while advancing the ball with no call from the official. With 16 minutes left in the game, Sophomore Ella Gehrig passed the ball to Ciardullo from the midfield; Ciardullo took a beautiful shot and scored. The Lady Bears were up 3-0. With 10 minutes left in the game, Senior McCall Bennett tried to add one more with a shot on goal from the 10-yard line, but it was saved by the Northview Goal Keeper. The game would end with a score of 3-0.
The Lady Bears play at Heritage High School on Friday, February 4th at 5:30 pm. Let's Go Bears!
