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Sports

Lake Fenton Soccer Bounced by Powers, Poised for Future Improvement

Blue Devils played state-ranked Powers Catholic tough in 4-1 district loss.

The girls' soccer team wasn't supposed to beat Goodrich this season.

The Blue Devils were a bit too young to compete for the league title.

And despite some talented young players, they weren't ready to compete with experienced perennial state power Powers Catholic just yet.

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Except Lake Fenton exceeded all expectations and did everything listed above, despite a 4-1 loss to Powers Catholic Thursday in the district semifinals.

The Blue Devils accomplished the first two goals on that list in one game, upsetting Goodrich, ranked most of the season in the Division 3 state rankings, 3-2 in the final of the Genesee Area Conference tournament May 27 to force a share of the league title. Lake Fenton hadn't won a league title since 2003, when they were still a part of the Valley Soccer Association.

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Lake Fenton won its opening game of districts May 31, beating Mt. Morris 8-0, setting up a matchup with Powers, ranked fourth in the state in Division 2, on Thursday.

Powers started the game strong, getting two first half goals by Brittany Tenis and one by Kristin Syrowik to take a 3-0 lead. Lake Fenton, however, was not devoid of scoring chances. Powers keeper Heather Rolls made two of her three saves in the first half and Lake Fenton hit the post on another scoring chance.

"We had our opportunities to score," said Lake Fenton coach Lenny Glasstetter. "We had two great opportunities in the first half and three in the second half, and if we get a couple of those to go, that would've made it a totally different game."

Midway through the second half, Lake Fenton got on the board when Sidney Scott found Katie Austin for a goal. The Blue Devils' defense increased its intensity as well. Powers controlled the ball much of the half, but didn't find many scoring opportunities. When they did break through, keeper made key saves.

"She did a very good job under that pressure (by Powers)," Glasstetter said. "She's only been in goal for one year. She got better every game and was a really good leader."

Another shot by Lake Fenton hit the post, and moments later, Powers scored an insurance goal when McKenzie Mora got free. Powers held on for a 4-1 win. They will face Durand in the district final Saturday.

Lake Fenton finished the season 12-7. The team loses senior captains Austin, Marchlewski, Alivia Howell and Alexis Adams. The rest of this year's roster consisted of three juniors, five sophomores and eight freshmen.

Powers focused on shutting down the Lake Fenton offense, particularly freshman forward Jordan Newman, who scored 40 goals this season for the Blue Devils.

"We had to make sure one stepped up in front, one stepped up behind, and if she got the ball, they doubled up on her right away," said Powers coach Art Moody.

Glasstetter believes the team will build on the success of this season and be in an even better position to compete with programs like Powers next season.

"We're not going to do anything but get better," Glasstetter said. "I think if we take care of a few things and continue to work hard, we're going to be pretty good."

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