Billings scores a pair of goals, leads Ludington over Oakridge soccer

With bad weather looming, Ludington coach Kris Anderson emphasized the need to make it to the end of the first half with a lead because then it would be considered a game.

“This was a very good win for us,” said Anderson. “We’ve been getting close in a few games and kind of coming out on the short end. We’ve felt we’ve played well and put ourselves in position to win, but just didn’t quite come through. So tonight, it was nice to capitalize on some opportunities that we created and pull away and get a solid victory where we felt we outplayed the other team.

“It was a good confidence booster for us,” Anderson said. “Well needed, and well deserved. They played hard, and really worked. They made this happen.”

The Orioles accomplished that when Madeline Billings found the back of the net with a shot, and the defense kept the Eagles scoreless through the first 40 minutes.

Billings scored her second of the contest a few minutes into the second half. Ashley Stowe tallied another about eight minutes in, and Emma McKinley closed out the scoring with her first goal of the season at the 25-minute mark.

Grace Ashley and Cambria Britton split time in net to combine for the shutout. Ashley had seven saves on seven shots, and Britton turned back both of the shots against her.

Ludington (2-4, 1-2 WMC) competes in the Grand Rapids South Christian Sailor Invitational this weekend.

Oakridge (3-4) travels to Hart next for another conference game on Monday.