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Weir girls get back-to-back wins over rivals

KEEPAWAY — Weir High’s Alexia Jenkins kicks the ball away from Catholic Central’s Katie Zatta on Wednesday. (Photo by Andrew Grimm)

STEUBENVILLE — The Weir High girls soccer team capitalized on its opportunities, while Catholic Central did not convert on its chances.

The Crusaders took the first two shots in the game, but the Red Riders rebounded and took 17 of the next 19, resulting in six goals as Weir went on to defeat Catholic Central, 7-0, on an overcast Wednesday evening at the Tony Recinella Soccer Field.

“It was a good day,” Weir (5-5) head coach Jeremy Angelo said. “We played back-to-back games. We started slow. The first five minutes was played on our end. Then, we started moving the ball. We missed a few chances, but we were able to create more chances. We kept coming, and we were able to get some shots into the back of the net.

“We didn’t score for the first 15 minutes or so. The first 15-20 minutes was back-and-forth, but then we took advantage of our opportunities. We were able to create chances, and we were able to put them into the net. We were able to finish.”

The Red Riders ripped 27 shots, while the Crusaders collected 13. Weir recorded 20 shots on goal, while Catholic Central tallied eight.

“They were able to get ahead,” Catholic Central (1-7) head coach Katrina Fabian said. “They do not have too much more skill than we do. We picked it up in the second half. I am proud of our effort. We did not get down on ourselves. We did what we needed to do.”

Senior standout Julia Gianni netted two goals and two assists to lead the way for Weir. Also, Nina Grassini scored a goal and dished out two assists, Bella Aperfine finished with two goals and Megan Cramer and Mackenzie Hollaway each collected one. Alexis Adams and Kristen Skinner each tallied one assist.

Weir used two goalies, with each goalie playing one half. Adams started and made six saves, while Alexis Vuiller played the second half and made two saves.

“They created a bunch of chances,” Angelo said about Catholic Central. “They had chances in the first five minutes of the game, and then in the last five to eight minutes of the first half they created some opportunities. If they had a little bit of luck, they would have scored on some. Catholic Central did not quit. There was no quit in them. They worked hard today.”

Bri DeChristopher made 13 saves in goal for the Crusaders.

“She’s awesome,” Fabian said. “She keeps us in games. That is a great thing.”

Weir led 6-0 at halftime. Hollaway, who is normally a defender, scored the lone goal of the second half.

“Weir turns out good teams,” Fabian said. “They have a good program.”

Both teams are scheduled to play at 11 a.m. Saturday. Catholic Central is slated to play rival Edison at home.

“We had a good scrimmage against them,” Fabian said. “It should be a good game. The girls are excited.”

Fabian and Edison head coach Jordan Tice, who graduated from Edison, played against each other in high school and played together in college at the Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Meanwhile, Weir is scheduled to play Indian Creek on the road.

“Indian Creek is having a good year,” Angelo said. “We are going to see what happens. We had a good scrimmage against them last year and a good game against them. We are excited. It should be another good game.”

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