Bulldogs, Roughriders play to 0-0 draw

CELINA - The girls soccer rivalry match between Celina and St. Marys was 80 minutes of exciting defense.

The only thing that could have spoiled the scene was a goal, which did not happen.

The Roughriders maintained its lead in the Western Buckeye League with their fourth league tie of the season in the 0-0 draw at the soccer stadium in Celina on Monday night, moving to 3-0-4 (13 points; three points for a win, one for a tie) in league play and 4-1-5 overall. The Bulldogs improve to 3-1-2 (11 points) in league play and 4-3-2 overall.

"It was a nice defensive game all around," Celina coach Cal Freeman said. "We played a good team. We're trying to get around our injuries. I was happy how it turned out. We have so many people hurt.

"It would have been sad to see someone lose it in the last minute. It was a hard-fought game. A tie is nothing to be ashamed of in this game."

"That's tough to swallow knowing we're that close to winning the WBL, but with all those ties, it's not looking so good," St. Marys coach Seth Hertenstein said of his team's string of ties. "At the same time, (considering) playoffs, it makes me feel confident that we can beat any team. I feel like we've been the best team in every game we've played in league."

St. Marys was on the attack from the opening whistle, putting pressure on Kendall Gilmore, who was making her second appearance at goalkeeper while nursing an injury that is keeping her out of her normal forward spot.

Gilmore was impressive in keeping the Roughriders from scoring. St. Marys had 11 shots on goal during the evening with Gilmore making nine saves.

"She did an excellent job. She hurt her knee and we're hoping to get her back on the field (as an offensive player)," Freeman said of his senior co-captain. "We've got a good defensive effort."

St. Marys' defense kept Celina from taking many good shots at goal during the night. The Bulldogs had three shots with no success. Roughrider netminder Bailey Fenwick-Miller only needed to make two saves but stayed busy scooping up or kicking away long balls.

"First half, I thought we were the better team. We had more attacks and were more dangerous," Hertenstein said. "Second half, it was 50-50 if anything. Defense was solid, can't complain about my defense. (Offensively), it would have been nice to put one in the back of the net."

The Roughriders had one last good chance to score, but Emma Wibbler's shot nicked the goal post and went out before the end of play.

"It's always a game to play St. Marys," Freeman said. "Two rivals going at it and everybody brings their A-game. It's a fun (and) exciting game to watch that lasted all 80 minutes."

Both teams return to play on Thursday. Celina travels to Van Wert for WBL action. St. Marys travels to Anna to face the first-place team in the Western Ohio Soccer League.