Flyers blank West to end season

Published 3:25 am Friday, October 16, 2009

There were three things that were constant for the St. Joseph Flyers’ soccer team this year. The sun came up in the east, went down in the west, and the seniors played well.

And even though the sun started down a little early Thursday, the St. Joseph seniors still played well as the Flyers blanked the Portsmouth West Senators 3-0 on Senior Night.

Flyers’ coach Sissy Clyse, who took over the team when Dan Blair was unable to coach due to health reasons, said the seniors provided the same play and leadership against West that they have exhibited all year.

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“The seniors played well again,” said coach Clyse of her seniors Joseph Unger, Anthony Whaley, Spencer Schwab, Sunni Clyse and Sarah Basedow.

“They’ve been a pleasure to coach. I know Dan feels the same way. They’ve given us great senior leadership all year.”

The Flyers took a 2-0 lead in the first half as Justin Mahlmeister scored a goal off an assist from Levi Hopkins while T.J. Young found the net with the help of Cody Blackburn.

With the defense shutting the Senators down, the Flyers added a goal in the second half as Mahlmeister and Hopkins repeated their work from the first goal.

Unger had six saves as the Flyers’ goal keeper.

“All the kids played well and the seniors did a great job with leadership. They showed the leadership that is expected at St. Joe,” said coach Clyse.

St. Joseph plays a 6 p.m. game Monday at South Point in the sectional tournament.

Portsmouth West 0 0 = 0

St. Joseph 2 1 = 3

First Half

SJ — Justin Mahlmeister (assist Levi Hopkins)

SJ — T.J. Young (assist Cody Blackburn)

Second Half

SJ — Justin Mahlmeister (assist Levi Hopkins)

Shots on Goal: St. Joseph 16, West 7. Keeper Saves: St. Joseph 6 (Joe Unger), West 6.