By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

Being young and inexperienced, St. Joseph Flyers’ soccer coach Dan Blair was looking for several things when his team began the season on Tuesday.

He got them.

The young Flyers used defense to spark a 10-1 win over the Portsmouth West Senators, thus allowing Blair to empty his roster and earn valuable playing time.

“We played well and we got a chance to get players in a lot of different positions,” said Blair. “We are awfully young and we needed the playing time.”

Justin Mahlmeister — one of the few returning players for St. Joseph — led the defense from his goalie position. Also playing well defensively were Ike Palmer, Aaron Haas and Shannon Litton.

Offensively the Flyers had six different players score led by Joseph Payton with three goals and Eli Lewis with two.

Others scoring were Sidney Payne, Haley Bartram, Nick Roach, Trey Young and Tanner Carte.

“I was really pleased by the fact six or our 10 goals were assisted goals,” said Blair.

Aaron Craft scored the only goal for West.