Saints battle back for tie

After spotting Fairport a 1-0 lead just twelve minutes into the game, Churchville-Chili’s Kelly Jackson scored the tying goal as the Saints and Red Raiders played to a 1-1 tie in high school varsity girl’s soccer September 9.

"It took us five or ten minutes to settle down," commented Saints head coach Nancy Thornton. The early goal seemed to wake up the home team as they peppered the Fairport net with six shots over a 17 minute span in the first half. Lauren Burakowski had a shot go off the crossbar in the 19th minute and had another stopped in the 24th minute. Kimmie Hill and Sarah Begley also had chances in the 35th minute.

Jackson was stopped on a diving save in the 36th minute before finally finding the net on a give and go with Jenna Stevens making the score 1-1.

The Saints dominated most of the second half and both ten minute overtime periods with five more shots on net in regulation, including a diving stop of a Karli Calabria shot, and a half-dozen chances in the overtime sessions.

"This team is really starting to play well together," said Thornton. "We have depth this year and players are willing and able to play different positions. With the heat today, we were able to play 15-16 players and stay fresh." The Saints moved their record this season to 4-0-1 with the tie.