'Stangs halt 5-match slide
Beat Cherokee Trail 14-2.
Photos by John Leyba, Mullen Sports Phtographer
They needed to win and they did.
Mullen’s Mustangs also did so in convincing fashion, blasting visiting Cherokee Trail 14-2 in Centennial League play on Friday night at Brother Bernard Kinneavy Field at De La Salle Stadium.
And, yes, it was cold again, although the rain and snow didn’t come until the game was over, which made for an interesting scramble to clear the field, secure the gear and get to their vehicles.
But the Mustangs snapped a five-match skid to move to 4-5 overall, 1-1 in league, and felt fabulous about it.
“Yes, yes, yes,” said Mullen head coach Melynda Brown, “and the first half was awesome. We really worked on a few different things. We worked through our plays, we played amazing defense, so it was overall a great team win today.
“It’s nice to get a ‘W’ again.”
After their 3-0 start to the season, the Mustangs dropped a couple of matches in California, got spanked by heavyweights Colorado Academy and Cherry Creek by a combined 32-5, then dropped a gut-wrencher by 13-12 at Denver East.
However, on Friday, the Mustangs grabbed the lead almost immediately, built on it and put the Cougars (4-5, 1-1) under the mercy rule in the second half.
Elise Bialecki and Molly Gilbert each scored four goals, and Emerson Johnson added three. Freshman Haley Vanek had a goal and two assists, and fared well in draws.
“It just helped with the support of my team to get the ball and win,” she said.
Grace Archibald and Charlie Beck added goals. Gilbert and Johnson had additional assists.
The Mustangs will resume league play next week, on Tuesday, 5 p.m., when they will take on Arapahoe at Littleton Public Schools Stadium.
MULLEN 14, CHEROKEE TRAIL 2
Cherokee Trail 1 1 -- 2
Mullen 7 7 -- 14
Mullen goals – Elisa Bialecki 4, Milly Gilbert 4, Emerson Johnson 3, Grace Archibald, Charlie beck, Haley Vanek.
Mullen assists – Vanek 2, Gilbert, Johnson.
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