Cardinal soccer survives suspenseful week

By Peter Melkus
INDEX Sports Writer

DAVISON — The Lady Cards soccer team began its week on a high note with a 3-0 shutout over Big Nine opponent Carman-Ainsworth after ending its two previous games against Fenton and Flushing in ties.
Goalkeeper Taylor Varner blocked all five Cavalier shots to pick up the Cardinals’ shutout at home Monday.
Taylor Hitchcock led Davison with two goals on the day while teammate Ricci Covert chipped in a goal of her own to cap off the scoring. Elise Millard, Shelby Beauregard and Abby Bellamy each picked up assists on the Cardinals’ scoring efforts.
Its latest victory over Carman-Ainsworth raises Davison’s record to 3-5-3, 2-4-1 Big Nine.
The Cardinals squared off in a tight 2-2 contest at home against the Fenton Tigers last Friday.
Davison’s Abby Bellamy scored off a corner kick by Kassidi Scott in the first half to strike first against their non-conference opponent. Yevetta Hall then netted a goal of her own, with an assist by Tressa Garty, with 24 minutes remaining in the second half to give the Cardinals a seemingly commanding 2-0 lead with time winding down in the game.
The Tigers, refusing to give in, kicked their offense into drive and quickly responded with their first goal off the boot of Lauren Wing with 18 minutes remaining. Fenton’s Elizabeth Davis proceeded to nail home a penalty kick at the 15:46 mark to seal the tie game.
Lauren Bellamy made 13 saves in goal for the Lady Cardinals in the tying effort.
Davison played another close match at Flushing last Thursday, ending that game in a 1-1 tie.
Sara Cole’s goal with 21:30 remaining in the game put the Cardinals on the board and sealed the tie in the Big Nine match-up.
Taylor Varner made five saves in goal for Davison and Flushing’s Beth Kendrick netted her team’s lone goal in the second half.
“Overall, we’re working on possession and controlling the ball more, and I’ve seen a good deal of progress,” said Davison coach Jim Gunnell. “Controlling the ball is how you win soccer games, and we’ve been working hard in practice to make smart passes and find the open person. We’re playing much better as a team, working hard and the girls are all gaining each other’s trust out there.”
Davison faces the Big Nine’s top three teams next week in Flint Powers, Grand Blanc and undefeated Kearsley. The Cards’ last match against rival Powers, today’s opponent, ended with a closely-fought 1-0 loss.
“We’re looking forward to coming back at them this week,” Giunnell said. “We’re excited and looking to make improvements.”