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PARK GIRLS WIN 1ST EVER CONF CHAMPIONSHIP
PARK GIRLS WIN 1ST EVER CONF CHAMPIONSHIP
An outstanding team performance spiced with individual moments of high-level play gave the Ranger girls soccer team a 2-1 win on Saturday at home against the defending 2024 Class A state champions and previously unbeaten Billings Central Catholic Rams.
The Rams started out with high-pressure play, but the Rangers playing downwind showed excellent defense.
But after 28 minutes, Rangers junior goalkeeper Carlie Bober could not hold on to a hard kick from just outside the box and the Rams converted from within 10 yards to go up 1-0.
Ranger senior forward Phoebe Alverson had several good breakthroughs from the right side and showed that the Rams defense was vulnerable.
With 2 minutes left in the first half, Alverson got the job done from short distance to make it 1-1, served wonderfully by a solo run from junior Ella Mendez on the right side.
1-1 at halftime was fair and square.
The Rangers had showed a hardworking midfield, a strong defense and almost a one-woman Army with Alverson in front.
In the second half, it was almost like the Rams lost a little of their breath, leading the way to several good attempts from the Rangers and especially sophomore Savannah Browning, who stepped up her game with numerous good runs and passes. She came close to scoring after 10 minutes of play in half two.
It was Browning who setup the hammer shot by senior Chase Vermillion from just inside the box making it 2-1 for the Rangers just 13 minutes into the half.
The remaining game time showed an impressive collective strong defensive effort with aid from rearranging some key Ranger players. For instance, moving Vermillion to the right back position was a great tactical move by Ranger head coach Carlos Viteri.
The referee blew the whistle with no overtime and the Ranger girls burst into group excitement, celebrating their win against a strong team from Billings Central High, the defending Montana Class A state champions that have won 11 state championships in school history.
Great game and win by the Ranger girls. The Rangers play their next game Tuesday at home against Laurel, after press time, then travel to play at Lockwood on Sept. 26
