Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

St. Joseph Female Flyers’ soccer coach Kyle Weatherholt felt like the Dutch boy at the leaking dam. He saw the hole and he filled it.

St. Joseph graduated six seniors from last year’s district qualifying team, but the Female Flyers proved up to the challenge as they opened the season Monday with a 5-1 win over the Chesapeake Lady Panthers.

“Overall, I’m really pleased with the team so far. Losing six seniors from last year is tough, but some of the younger players have really stepped up and filled those spots,” said Weatherholt.

One of the players stepping up was Ophelia Weatherholt — daughter of the head coach — who had two unassisted goals in the first half and then had an assist on the final goal.

Lynsey Booker also had two goals with an assist from Emma Saxby on each score. Kaylee Sheridan scored the final goal.

Ophelia Weatherholt scored at the 31-minute mark as she unleashed a shot from just outside the box to beat the goalkeeper.

Chesapeake tied the game two minutes later, but Weatherholt nailed a free kick from 30 yards out with seconds left in the half following a Chesapeake foul.

“Chesapeake has a good squad. They were able to disrupt most of our attacks and get a little possession for the first 30 minutes,” said coach Weatherholt.

St. Joseph came back to dominate the second half behind the play of Sheridan and Saxby in the midfield.

St. Joseph hosts Portsmouth West at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Chesapeake 1 0 = 1

St. Joseph 2 3 = 5

First Half

SJ — Ophelia Weatherholt unassisted

Ch — Goal

SJ — Ophelia Weatherholt unassisted

Second Half

SJ — Lynsey Booker (assist Emma Sacby)

SJ — Lynsey Booker (assist Emma Saxby)

SJ — Kaylee Sheridan (assist Ophelia Weatherholt)