LocalSportsJournal.com
CLARE — The tournament road ended for the Newaygo Lions on Tuesday night in the Division 3 regional semifinal game.
The Lions dropped a 5-0 decision to the Elk Rapids Elks. Both teams came into the game without a loss on the season. Newaygo finished with an 18-1-1 record, a conference title, a conference tournament title and the second district championship in school history for girls’ soccer.
The Elks move into the 5 p.m. Thursday game against Freeland, a 3-0 winner over Big Rapids in the other regional semifinal game.
“Tonight, our season ended at the hands of a very talented Elk Rapids team,” Lion coach Matt Painter said. “While it is hard to lose and have our season ended, I can’t help but smile about the successful season our girls put together.”
The Elks sustained the pressure on the Lions defense and kept goalkeeper Barbara Toth busy for much of the night. She finished with 17 saves. Newaygo had four shots on goal.
“This group of girls has been a joy to coach and I feel honored to have had the chance to share this success with them,” Painter said.
All photos below are courtesy of Tara Hefferan
