For the Antigo Times

The Lady Robins soccer team was on the road in Ashland, playing at the Northland College campus last Thursday night in their first and only meeting with the Oredockers. The Oredockers, being a very skilled team, were able to come out within the first 30 seconds of the game and score their first goal. The Lady Robins tried to figure out what went wrong on the field, but could not get it fixed before 2 more goals were made by the 8th minute. They added another defender, and that did slow down the Oredockers’ advances for a period of time. Hannah Nonnenmacher, along with Kelly Kamin, played the middle well and had several advances, allowing Nonnenmacher to have 2 shots on goal, unfortunately, they did not get to the back of the net.

Sophomore Captain McKenzie Schroepfer and senior captain Payton Bunnell, along with their defensive line, continued to play an aggressive game, however, with such powerful shots from outside the 18-yard box, the score was 7-0 going into the half. Jena Nonnenmacher played a phenomenal half with 16 awesome saves. Going into the 2nd half, Nonnenmacher switched spots with Freshman Emily Kassler, putting Kassler between the pipes.

Kassler had 5 great saves before the game was called at 60 minutes with the final score being 12-0, Oredockers taking the win.

The Robins and the Blue Jays battled each other in the soccer pitch last Friday night at Listle Field. With Antigo coming off of a late night in Ashland and the third game in a week, the Robins started a little slowly and allowed 3 goals before 10 minutes. Within those 10 minutes, Merrill was called for a handball inside the 18-yard box, allowing Antigo to set up for a PK. Junior Hannah Nonnenmacher took that kick and put up a high lofter into the upper left hand side of the net making that Nonnenmacher’s second goal of the season. After a quick keeper change at the 15-minute mark, Antigo was able to hold off the Blue Jays until minute 25 when they were able to sneak one up the middle right past sophomore goalie Jena Nonnenmacher. The score was 6-1 with Merrill taking the lead going into the half.

The Lady Robins really stepped it up the second half setting up for multiple shots to be taken. Hannah Nonnenmacher had a beautiful opportunity for a goal, but it went just to the right of the bars, and with no one in the winger position to tap it in, Merrill’s defense was able to get the ball out of their territory. Antigo’s sophomore captain McKenzie Schroepfer was without her usual defensive lineup, but with some adjustments, she was able to get control of her line to hold and get Merrill offside on multiple occasions. Sophomore Kelly Kamin along with junior KarleeMae Schulz and freshman Emily Kassler worked together wonderfully to be able to help Schroepfer out. Goalie Jena Nonnenmacher had a phenomenal night with 20 amazing saves.

With all the hard work and communication put forth by the Robins, they were able to hold Merrill to only 2 goals the second half, making the final 8-1 Blue Jays flying away with the win. Antigo takes on Lakeland Tuesday night at 7:00.