Lady Dogies show growth despite losses to Buffalo, Rawlins

Newcastle battles tough conditions and continues improving ahead of senior match

The Newcastle High School Lady Dogies soccer team came up short in a pair of contests last week but showed steady improvement, according to head coach Cami Willyard.

Newcastle opened the stretch on April 23 in Buffalo, falling 5-0 in cold, wet conditions.

Despite the weather, the Lady Dogies chose to play a full match rather than end the contest at halftime.

“I love that grit,” Willyard said.

The Bison scored four goals in the first half, but Newcastle responded with a stronger second-half performance, aided by the wind at its back. The Lady Dogies improved their defensive pressure during the run of play, though Buffalo capitalized on set pieces, scoring three goals off corner kicks.

Zadyn Allen nearly put Newcastle on the board with a shot that hit the post.

Goalkeeper Christine Swentesky recorded 11 saves and made several key decisions on breakaway opportunities to limit further damage.

The Lady Dogies returned home April 25 but dropped a 3-0 decision to Rawlins.

Willyard noted that Newcastle played one of its more complete games of the season, particularly in the second half.

“We possessed the ball a lot more than previous games and had several promising attacks,” Willyard said.

Allen led the offense with three shots on goal, while Cheyanne Bloom and Brianna Schofield each added one. Willyard also highlighted strong offensive combinations between Lillian Lopez and Allen.

Defensively, Blake Sidener, Sage Lichtenberger, Ashlyn Leonard and Scottlyn Hildebrandt continued to develop chemistry along the back line.

“I love to see that we are continuing to improve every game,” Willyard said.

Swentesky added eight saves against the Outlaws.

Newcastle will travel to Worland on Friday before returning home Saturday to host Douglas for its senior game.

Soccer results

Buffalo 5, Newcastle 0 (April 23)
Newcastle stats: Christine Swentesky, 11 saves; Zadyn Allen, 1 shot on goal.

Rawlins 3, Newcastle 0 (April 25)
Newcastle stats: Christine Swentesky, 8 saves; Zadyn Allen, 3 shots on goal; Cheyanne Bloom, 1 shot on goal; Brianna Schofield, 1 shot on goal.