Local Sports Journal

Natalie Bertolone blasts a shot for MCC. Photo/Tim Reilly

Natalie Bertolone blasts a shot for MCC. Photo/Tim Reilly

The soccer season has officially started for Muskegon Catholic Central. The Crusaders girls shutout Grand Rapids Covenant Christian, 2-0 on Tuesday.

Natalie Bertolone put MCC up 1-0 in the second half after a 0-0 halftime score. Adeline Bonnette set up the goal on a through-pass to Bertolone.

MCC took a 2-0 lead with five minutes left on a Molly Conroy goal. Bertolone posted the assist on a give-and-go play.

“We’ve been inside for so long and to finally get outside to play, it felt very good,” said MCC coach Mike Banka. “We’d only been outside twice before. It’s hard to play in 33 degrees, the ball bounces funny in those temps.”

The Crusaders outshot Covenant 14-3 as Gabby Thelen and Mackenzie Wazniack combined for the shutout in goal.

Alyssa Adamczak and Anika Tyler helped lead the MCC defense along with Leah Sumner and Hailee McKenna.

MCC's Jessica Ladd looks to take a shot on goal. Photo/Tim Reilly

MCC’s Jessica Ladd looks to take a shot on goal. Photo/Tim Reilly

“Between the four of them, they played very well and controlled the game for us,” said Banka.

MCC will play again on Thursday, weather permitting, at Grand River Prep. The field conditions are questionable and the game could be switched to Muskegon.