LocalSportsJournal.com
HOLLAND – The top-ranked Spring Lake Lakers are heading to the Division 2 state soccer finals after a nail-biting 1-0 victory over the Holland Christian Maroons on Wednesday night.
The victory moves the Lakers into Saturday’s state title game against Bloomfield Hills Marian, which defeated DeWitt 1-0 in the other Division 2 semifinal game. The championship is set for 4 p.m. at DeMartin Soccer Stadium on the campus of Michigan State University.
“It was a great game today, obviously,” said Laker coach Becky May. “Holland Christian came out and fought the whole way. It was a good fight.”
Just five minutes into the game, senior Clara Saunders slid a pass over to freshman Aveya Patino. Her low, well-placed shot slid just inside the post and out of the reach of the Maroon goalkeeper and into the net. From there, the Lakers were able to hang on for the victory.
“They battled hard all the way to the end and had some good looks at goal,” May said.
In the game’s final seconds, Holland Christian had a free kick from just outside the box, but the shot went wide to the left of the goal.
Jessica Stewart posted the shutout in net for the Lakers.
“The girls stood up and managed to hold onto a one-goal lead and we are just thrilled to be going back to state,” May said. “It was exciting.”
