LHS girls soccer makes history with first program win

The Lennox High School girls’ soccer team made history Thursday, Aug. 20, earning the first victory in program history with a 2-1 road win over Garretson. The Orioles continued their inaugural season Tuesday, Aug. 18, hosting Groton in their first home match at the Sinning Sports Complex. Despite falling 3-0, Lennox controlled possession for much of the contest and created several opportunities on goal.

Two days later, the Orioles traveled to Garretson looking for their first win and returned home with a milestone victory.

Bergan Musser scored the first goal in Lennox girls’ soccer history, putting the Orioles on the scoreboard. Adie McVey then found the back of the net to give Lennox the lead and ultimately secure the 2-1 victory.

“Bergan Musser used her speed and touch to score our first goal of the season and as a program,” said LHS head coach Paul McVey. “Adie McVey completed a very skillful turn off of a throw-in and placed a shot right off the far post to get the game-winning goal.”

The victory officially put the first win in the record books for the newly established Lennox girls’ soccer program.

McVey said the Orioles responded well after falling behind early.

“We played a very solid soccer game against Garretson,” he said. “We came out a little flat and conceded a goal early, but the girls did not panic and played steady.”

As the season progresses, McVey said the team is gaining a better understanding of where each player can best contribute on the field.

“We are starting to get a better picture of where to best position the girls on the field to maximize our strengths,” McVey said. “Ryleigh Black had a great game for us at center back and played a perfect ball forward. Our defense held strong the entire game, and our midfield is starting to understand how to connect and make productive runs to give us more chances through corner kicks and shots in the penalty area.”

With many of the Orioles playing their first season of competitive soccer, McVey said the team is learning quickly.

“Many of our girls are playing their first season of competitive soccer, and after three games they are starting to pick up on the tactics and rules,” he said. “We have very quick learners, and we are building a culture for sustainable success.”

The Orioles will look to build on their historic victory Thursday, Aug. 27, when they host Vermillion at 5:30 p.m. at the Sinning Sports Complex. A junior varsity match will follow the varsity contest.

Vermillion enters the match-up with an 0-3 record after losses to West Central, 9-0; Belle Fourche, 2-0; and St. Thomas More/Rapid City Christian, 10-1.