WOMEN’S SOCCER

The Huntington women’s soccer team opened up its season on the wrong side of a 3-1 decision against Lawrence Tech Wednesday afternoon.

The rivalry between these two squads as of late has favored the Blue Devils as they are currently riding a three-game win streak over the Foresters.

On this given day, LTU struck often and early to jet in front 2-0 within the opening 12 minutes of play to put the Foresters in an unenviable spot. The lead would hold the rest of the half but the visitors responded like the veteran poised team that they are to keep things interesting.

HU stepped up the pressure and just over 22 minutes into the second period, Courtney McKown crossed a ball into Millie Adams who found freshman Ashtyn Patrick for a blast into the back of the net. The goal was Patrick’s first of her young collegiate career and kept her team within striking distance.

Each team generated a handful of shots in the final 20 minutes but it was Katelyn Mather’s boot in the 75th minute that found back netting to put the game out of reach for the 3-1 final.

After being outshot 14-3 through the opening 45 minutes, the Foresters settled in to limit the Blue Devils to seven shots while generating six of their own in the second half.

Autumn Demott took the loss for HU. The senior keeper spent the entire 90 minutes in frame to finish with 11 saves.

“Today was certainly not the result we were looking for to kick off the season,” said Coach Amanda Burge. “That said, we had great ball control and connectivity against a very fast Lawrence Tech side.

“We have a great foundation to build on looking towards the rest of the season.”

Coach Burge’s crew was 10-8-2 last year. She returns ten seniors, five juniors and seven sophomores and has 12 fresh faces.

Next up for the Foresters (0-1) is a road trip to Madonna on August 29.