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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.
MONTAGUE — Hart battled back from a halftime deficit Friday night to earn its second straight conference victory, defeating Montague 3-2 in a hard-fought girls West Michigan Conference soccer match.
The Pirates struck first with 24:14 remaining in the opening half on one of their trademark corner kick plays. Junior Rilynn Porter delivered a high cross to the back post, where sophomore Vivi VanAgtmael volleyed a left-footed shot into the net for a 1-0 Hart lead.
Montague answered quickly, capitalizing on a run down the left flank and a centering pass to even the match. The Wildcats added another goal with just over 10 minutes left in the half after a short clearance, sending Hart into intermission trailing 2-1.
Hart regrouped in the second half and began generating more offensive opportunities. The Pirates broke through with 22 minutes remaining when VanAgtmael slipped a pass behind the defense to sophomore Addie Barefoot, who curled a shot into the back post to tie the game at 2-2.
With momentum shifting, Hart gradually took control. Barefoot later earned a free kick near midfield and drove a cross to the back post, where Porter tapped home the game-winning goal.
Goalkeeper Baleigh Klotz finished with seven saves, including a key late-game tip on a cross that preserved the victory.
Hart’s defense, led by Nevaeh Reyna, Ari Vela-Cantù and Olivia Bradley, shut down Montague’s attack in the second half.
“The girls showed a lot of resilience tonight,” Hart coach Joe Gilbert said. “We made some adjustments at halftime, and they responded with great energy and composure. Montague pushed us the entire match, but our players kept battling and found a way to finish.”
The Pirates travel to Ludington on Monday for another conference matchup.
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Michelle and Andrew Thomas
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