Bulldogs beat Patriots 8-1

CELINA - Makennna Klingshirn found the back of the net less than two minutes into Thursday's contest with Jay County.

And thus began a half of goals, goals and more goals for the Celina girls' soccer team.

Klingshirn and Emily Keith each scored twice, as the Bulldogs struck for six goals in the first half en route to an 8-1 victory over the Patriots at the soccer stadium.

"We're still trying to incorporate a new, up-and-down style of play," first-year Celina coach Eric Gerker said. "We want to focus on our possession game, playing good defense, doing a lot of different things. Our system we like to play is moving the ball around. We did a good job with that tonight. We got some easy opportunities down there with our ball movement. We took advantage of things they were giving us on the outside. We did a good job exploiting that and getting some crosses off. Overall, we still have a little ways to go, but this is a good way to start the year out."   

The Bulldogs scored four goals within the first 15 minutes of the game. Keith scored her first goal with 35:28 remaining in the first half. With 30:47 to go, Madison Kuehne sunk a shot on a penalty kick, Larisa Orick scored with 11:41 to go and Mya Lockwood added a PK goal as the half neared an end.

Keith netted her second shot when her corner kick was deflected in with 20:32 remaining in the game. Klingshirn later burned the goalie after having received a pass on the breakaway from Keith.

Mia Rolfes and Alexa Billger both dished out assists for Celina, which outshot the Patriots 24-4.

"I stress to the girls that it doesn't matter where the goals come from," Gerker said. "We're all on the same team. We need to focus on getting everyone involved. The more versatility we can create on our team, the better. It's really about us playing together and we have opportunities, we need to finish them. That was something that they struggled with last year was finishing opportunities. This was a good sign tonight."

Kennedy Henry had three saves in net for the Bulldogs. Mikele Suman scored the lone goal for Jay County with 28:20 remaining in the match.

The Bulldogs (1-0) open up Western Buckeye League play on Monday, hosting Kenton.