CELEBRATION - These Lady Jays celebrate after Thursday night’s conference clinching win: Sam Azure, Mallory Bhrun, Thyme Lang, Madeline Bulfer, Maia Bartelt, Journey Utpadel, Evelyn Nydegger.
By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
The Waseca Lady Jay’s highschool soccer team won two games last week, defeating Mankato Loyola 8-0 on Tuesday and St. Peter 3-2 on Thursday to clinch the 2021 Big South Conference Championship.
After a slow start Tuesday, Oct. 5, the Jays exploded for eight goals against the Crusaders. The Jays were led by freshman Gabby Lopez’s three goals. Also tallying goals were Madi Bulfer with two goals, and with one goal each: Katrina Fuller, Thyme Land, and Sam Azure.
The win on Tuesday meant that the Lady Jays could clinch the Big South Conference Title at home with a win against St. Peter.
Strong defensive play in the first half from Senior Chloe Mansfield and Sophomore Evelyn Nydegger, thwarted each attack made by the Saints. With the Saints doing the same at their end of the field, the game remained scoreless at halftime.
The Saints wasted no time in the second half, striking quickly, finding the back of the Jays net less than one minute into the session. On the flip side, the Jays remained patient and continued with their game plan. Nearly 15 minutes into the second half, the Jays were rewarded with their first goal of the game on a nicely placed shot by Bulfer.
Around seven minutes remaining in the game are when things started to get exciting. On a deflected ball, St. Peter took a 2-1 lead and appeared in control. From that point, the Jays were forced to put the pressure on.
With just under two minutes left and the conference title waiting in the wings, the Jays Thyme Lang netted a goal to even the score. The final and conference clinching goal came a minute later, when senior Madeline Bulfer got behind the defense and beat the Crusader goaltender to clinch the title and the game with a 3-2 victory. As the horn sounded, the celebration ensued. The Jays opened post season play against Kasson Mantorville, Tuesday night, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.