Mullen can't stop Creek
'Stangs fall behind early and often in a 21-7 setback, but display improvement; will have a roadie against Chaparral next.
It was Round 2 against another high-end foe.
On Monday, Mullen was handled by five-time-defending state champion Colorado Academy.
On Wednesday, it was matched against Cherry Creek, the state’s largest school – currently ranked No. 3 in Class 5A -- that also is right there historically with a 72-3 league mark and a 219-44 record since 2008.
The Mustangs lost 21-7 to drop to 0-2 overall and fall in their opener in the new 5A East League.
However, Mustangs coach Melynda Brown spied improvement, albeit late.
“I think we had a really good second half and I think we had a lot of nerves in the first half,” she said. “We still have a lot to work on.”
The Mustangs again got down early by a bunch as they trailed 15-1 at halftime. And Brown could see why.
“I think the biggest thing that killed us today is the draw,” Brown said. “We did not get possession until the end.”
However, the Mustangs were able to trade goals the rest of the way with the Bruins. Elise Bialecki, Maya Dammen and Haley Vanek each scored twice, and Molly Gilbert added another. Brown cited their play along with that of Charlie Beck as well as the team understanding possession and valuing it.
“Of course, we definitely got better,” the coach said. “We started playing better defense as a team today, which was awesome. They actually started to (employ possession) over the last 12 minutes.”
Gilbert (two), Beck, Dammen and Jordan Weber contributed assists.
Mullen will resume play on Saturday, May 15, vs. Chaparral at EchoPark Stadium in nonleague, 10 a.m.
CHERRY CREEK 21, MULLEN 7
Cherry Creek 15 6 – 21
Mullen 1 6 – 7
Mullen goals – Elise Bialecki 2, Maya Dammen 2, Haley Vanek 2, Molly Gilbert.
Assists – Molly Gilbert 2, Charlie Beck, Maya Dammen, Jordan Weber.
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