FIGHTING FOR POSITION — Big Red’s Brynn Bowers battles Catholic Central’s Kenadie Balabin for the ball during Wednesday’s match. – Andrew Grimm
STEUBENVILLE — The excitement surrounding the Big Red girls soccer team is unmistakable as they continue their impressive start to the season. With a remarkable 4-0 record, the team has not only demonstrated skill on the field but also a strong sense of teamwork and determination.
At the heart of this success is senior standout Bailee Beall, the program’s scoring record holder who dazzled fans with another hat trick during Wednesday’s match against Catholic Central. Her performance was pivotal in the team’s commanding 4-0 victory at the Tony Rencinella Soccer Field. Beall’s contribution has sparked conversations about her potential as a game-changer this season.
The statistics speak volumes: in their four victories, Big Red has outscored opponents 21-1. This win against Catholic Central marked the third shutout the team has achieved in their first four games, showcasing their defensive prowess alongside their offensive firepower.
Head coach Annie Cutri expressed pride in the team’s growth and communication. “We were a little slow to start the other night, so we wanted to come out stronger,” she noted. The desire for improvement is evident, as the players are visibly connecting with one another. Cutri added, “Some of our setups in the second half were beautiful,” highlighting the aesthetic appeal of their plays as they continue to find their rhythm.
The collaborative spirit among the players stands out as they work to improve their communication on the field. “It’s a different team every year with new players coming in and players graduating, so to have them talking and communicating is good to see early on,” Cutri commented. Acknowledging the strengths of their opponents, she complimented Catholic Central’s disciplined defense and goalie, expressing respect for the challenge they posed.
The match itself saw Big Red swiftly establish a 2-0 lead in the first half, with Beall scoring a hat trick and Kenzy Petrelle adding to the tally. Lucy Saccoccia played a vital role as well, providing two assists that were crucial to the team’s offensive maneuvering. This emphasizes the team’s depth, showing that success is not reliant on a single player but rather a cohesive unit.
On the other side of the field, Catholic Central’s head coach, Jonathan Hoover, recognized the formidable task his team faced. “They’re very well disciplined and they play their positions well,” he said regarding Big Red’s strengths. Hoover noted that while his team struggled to maintain control in the midfield, experiences against skilled teams like Big Red are essential for growth. He reflected on a recent game against St. Clairsville, another accomplished school, indicating that these challenges help his players gauge their competitive standing.
Central’s keeper, Aurie Hoover, played a crucial role in keeping the scoreline respectable, making nine saves throughout the match. Her efforts, alongside those of her teammates, demonstrated resilience against a relentless Big Red attack. On the flip side, Big Red’s goalkeeping duo—Sadie Edwards and Jodeci Green—split time in net, combining for ten total saves to secure the shutout.
Looking ahead, Big Red will face Philo in their next match at the River View Showcase, eager to maintain their strong performance as the season progresses. Catholic Central also faces another test against East Liverpool on Saturday, aiming to bounce back from this challenging encounter.