Two teams that went far in last year’s Class 2A girls state tournament – when 2A was the biggest class – met on Wednesday as two of the top teams in the new Class 3A.
No. 10-ranked Noblesville hosted No. 2 Brebeuf Jesuit (last year’s 2A runner-up) Wednesday evening at the White River Elementary School Soccer Fields, and the two teams played to a 0-0 tie.
“That’s a good team,” said Millers coach Mike Brady. “Early in the season, you just want to be challenged and Brebeuf, again, challenged us. I thought we had some great opportunities, but we had a few as well.”
Both teams did have scoring opportunities, but the defenses were also playing well. Noblesville goalkeeper Amanda Carmosino had a solid game, making several saves.
“It’s Game No. 2,” said Brady. “We’re just looking to get better. We want to win, but we just want to improve and be better seven weeks from now.”
Noblesville’s junior varsity won its game 1-0. Sophie Brisco scored the Millers’ goal, with Elana Chatterton making the assist.
Carmel opened its season with a bang, defeating Hamilton Southeastern 9-2 on Wednesday.
The 3A No. 3 Royals scored the first goal 15 minutes into the game after Claire Wilkinson hit a long kick. But the 3A No. 8 Greyhounds rattled off four goals in a row to take a 4-1 lead into halftime. Elyse Reed, Emily Speidel, Emma Antoine and Katie Soderstrom all scored goals, with Soderstrom, Tess Nihill and Speidel making assists.
The same pattern emerged in the second half. Southeastern scored first, with Maddie Dalton scoring a long goal off an assist by Taylor Pozzebon. But Carmel answered again, putting in five more goals.
The Greyhounds’ second-half goals were scored by Kelsie James, Jessica Dilger, Katie Soderstrom, Naomi Mann and Susie Soderstrom. Katie Soderstrom and Thompson made two assists, with James, Susie Soderstrom, Ashley Witucki and Elizabeth Hargis all getting one.
In the goalkeeper count, Autumn Ackermann had four saves for Carmel, with Emily Melchi getting two. Southeastern’s Allison Ellis made two saves and Chloe Banning had one.
“In my memory, not as good lately as in the past, we have never started a season playing a ranked team as well as the girls did this evening,” said Carmel coach Frank Dixon.
Fishers beat Westfield 2-1 on Wednesday. Shannen Lemke and Erin Brown scored goals for the Tigers.
Westfield’s statistics were not available.
Noblesville’s Jewell Hensley keeps her eye on the ball during the Millers’ Wednesday game with Brebeuf Jesuit at the White River Elementary School Soccer Fields. Noblesville played the Braves to a 0-0 tie. (Kent Graham)
The Carmel girls soccer team celebrates after Emma Antoine scores a goal during the Greyhounds’ game with Hamilton Southeastern on Wednesday.
(Kirk Green)