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MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas.
HART — Hart maintained its grip on the Oceana County rivalry Wednesday night, defeating cross-county rival Shelby 4-2 in a West Michigan Conference Rivers Division girls soccer match.
The Pirates struck first when sophomore Addie Barefoot scored off a through ball from junior Olivia Bradley on a set piece early in the game.
Hart kept pressure on for the next stretch, but Shelby’s defense limited the damage and kept the Tigers within 1-0. Shelby began to build chances late in the first half, including a promising through ball that was derailed by an unlucky bounce.
The Tigers eventually broke through on a set piece. Chelly Peterson delivered a free kick just outside the box, and Fernanda Espinosa finished to tie the game 1-1.
Hart answered before halftime. Junior Natalie Rosema broke through the Shelby defense, reached the end line and played a pass across to junior Zoily Sarabia, who finished to give the Pirates a 2-1 halftime lead.
Hart made halftime adjustments to deal with Shelby’s two-striker system and gained more control in possession. Barefoot and junior Rilynn Porter benefited from the added space, frequently driving at defenders and creating chances.
Porter beat several Shelby defenders and found Sarabia on a split pass for Sarabia’s second goal of the game. Barefoot later played a pass across the penalty area to Porter, who clipped a left-footed shot into the top right corner to make it 4-1.
Shelby continued to fight and generated more opportunities. Kylie Brown delivered a pass to Annie Stark, who finished for the Tigers’ second goal. Hart coach Joseph Gilbert said the goal came after a potential head injury resulted in a drop ball to Shelby and a momentary defensive lapse by the Pirates.
Stark and Brixtyn Friedman also had looks from the 18, but neither was able to connect.
Brylee Friedman finished with 15 saves for Shelby.
Hart goals came from Sarabia (2), Barefoot and Porter. Hart assists came from Bradley, Porter, Rosema and Barefoot.
Shelby will travel to Newaygo on Friday, while Hart will play another conference game Friday at Montague.
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Michelle and Andrew Thomas
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