Girls varsity soccer picks up huge win over Portage Central off of penalty kicks

After a surprise COVID-19 outbreak occurred in Northview earlier in the week, RGSO was left with one more game to finish off the first week of May.

Northview would have been the senior night match-up for the Rangers, but in the end, FHC would only have to play two games in the week as it already defeated EGR 5-2. Then, the girls moved on to a very important out-of-conference match-up with the Portage Central Mavericks.

This contest would mark the first non-conference game for the Rangers since the Unity Christian loss the Friday prior. Now, RGSO got a chance to bounce back against non-conference teams, as it is 3-2 on the season against such teams.

It was a defensive thriller all game as the score remained low and close throughout the entire ninety minutes. Seniors Ava Wilberding, Stella Sutton, Mattie Sexton, Maggie Hier, and freshman Lauren Coon held down the fort, as they completely shut down a very aggressive and chippy Maverick attack.

On the offensive end, the Rangers continued to crash towards the net and attack Portage’s defense. Eventually, FHC was able to wear down the Maverick defense and draw two big penalty kick opportunities. Senior Ruthie VanSkiver would have to step up to the line for both shots, as she buried both in the back of the net. These two goals allowed the Rangers to ride a 2-1 lead into a victory, as they now move their non-conference record to 4-2.

“I definitely was nervous, but I knew I had to be confident and get the job done,” Ruthie said. “Opportunities like this don’t always happen and you have to capitalize on them when given the chance.”

With the win, the Rangers extend their record to 10-2 on the year while they move closer to the postseason. Just two games remain on RGSO’s schedule, as it will face Zeeland East and West Ottawa for senior night. After the big win, the girls continue to gear up for the playoffs and the Portage Central game definitely boosts the morale as they draw closer to the conference tournament.