Girls JV soccer finishes out the season with two wins against Byron Center and Grandville

Girls JV soccer finishes out the season with two wins against Byron Center and Grandville

The girls JV soccer team wrapped up its season this weekend with two wins. On Friday, the Rangers took down the Byron Center Bulldogs 3-0. On Saturday, the game was ended early due to mercy from the Rangers, which left the final score at 8-0. 

In the game against Byron Center, sophomores Frankie Sutton and Mackenzie Wintrich were responsible for two out of the three goals and freshman Bryn Pennington also scored for the Rangers. The girls finished out the season 2-0 against Byron Center and displayed a great amount of teamwork. 

“We played a pretty solid game against Byron Center,” sophomore Thea Sloat said. “I thought that we moved the ball well, which set up good opportunities for shots on goal.” 

The Rangers turned around and played Grandville the next morning on Saturday, which ended early due to the MHSAA mercy rule as the Rangers went up by eight goals during the second half. This is not the first time that FHC has mercied an opponent this season, with blowouts against East Kentwood, Greenville, Forest Hills Eastern, and Northview, proving its dominance in the area. 

The Rangers have undoubtedly improved as a team this season. Head coach Jakob Whipple is incredibly proud of his team for the growth that he has seen throughout this past season.

“What I saw the girls improve the most on is sportsmanship, communication skills, and teamwork,” Whipple said. “What I was most proud of is other coaches and referees telling me the girls played really well and they have never seen a junior varsity team like this.” 

The Rangers finished out the season 15-2 with its only two losses being against Forest Hills Northern. Overall, the girls had a fantastic season, but of course, it stings to lose to arch-rival FHN in both meetings this season. However; the Rangers will get another opportunity for an undefeated season next year when they advance to the varsity level.