GIRLS SOCCER
By: Tim Falls
The Lawrence High School girls soccer team hasn’t counted itself out.
The Cardinals (2-9-2) have remained optimistic despite a tough season and have high spirits going into the Mercer County Tournament.
Lawrence faces the top-seeded and unbeaten Steinert squad in the first round of the MCT at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Spartans are 13-0.
Even though Lawrence is far from a winning record, the team has never given up and won’t while playing the best program in the Colonial Valley Conference.
"This team has so much skill," said senior Aubrey Smith. "The record doesn’t show the skill this team has. We fight hard each game."
Smith scored the game-winner with 20 seconds left in a 1-0 decision against Ewing last Saturday.
Smith scored with an assist from Kristy Nakayama.
"The outside halves worked really hard to get a cross off," said Smith. "Kristy flicked it off her head to me for the perfect opportunity to put it in. It was a team effort, I was just there to finish."
The last second goal showed Lawrence’s determination and resilience.
"It shows the character of our team not to give up," said Smith. "It was a good confidence builder."
Lawrence freshman goalie Nikki Eversberg made eight saves and senior goalie Dianna Pfister recorded four in the shutout as the Cardinals led in shots 13-12.
Smith scored the game-winner in her first game back after missing two due to a concussion in a game against Hamilton earlier in the month.
Smith bounced back in time to give Lawrence its second win of the season after a loss to Princeton last Thursday.
Colleen Kelly scored Lawrence’s lone goal in the 3-1 loss, whiel Eversberg had six saves and Pfister had two.
The win over Ewing showed how well Lawrence can recover from a loss.
"We work off each other," said Smith. "We push each other to make plays. We keep working hard to do everything we can to win. There’s never been a breakdown on this team."
Lawrence was scheduled to make-up Tuesday’s rainout against West Windsor-Plainsboro North yesterday and take on Hopewell Valley today before facing Steinert in the Mercer County Tournament.

