Play got off to a slow start for both teams, as they struggled to develop a strategy for the game. Grand initially struggled to play as a team and to work around Richfield’s defense. But sophomore Caitlin Pfnister finally got off a shot to score for the Lady Devils, putting Grand in the lead, 1-0. The Lady Wildcats quickly retaliated with a score of their own to tie the score just in time for halftime.
As the second half began, Grand played aggressively as a team, showing improved communication and passing. The Lady Devils tightened up their game, building momentum until senior Amanda Sheets went on a four-point scoring run, twice assisted by fellow senior Katy Miner. That put Grand ahead by a solid 5-1, the final score for the match.
“That first half, we went out and nobody was really ready for the game,” said Sheets,. “You have to go out and get a feel for the field and for the other team and what you need to do. We didn’t do that very quickly and we weren’t doing a lot, but then Caitlin [Pfnister] scored and Richfield scored really quickly after. But then in the second half we came out completely ready to play. We knew how they were playing. We were doing a really good job of passing, communicating and playing as a team and we played all the way through to the end. I just happened to be at the right place at the right time… all of the time.”
Head coach Mike Camps was similarly pleased with the girls’ efforts.
“I think the girls really finally started playing as a team together,” Camps said. “They were very organized, very direct. Honestly it was a pleasure to watch as a coach.”
Camps said he is looking forward to the team’s remaining five games, three of which will be played at home. The Lady Devils were scheduled to travel to Manti on Tuesday, Sept. 11 and to Gunnison on Tuesday, Sept. 18. After that, all of Grand’s regular season games will be played on the Lady Devils’ home turf.
Play for all varsity contests will begin at 4 p.m. and junior varsity play will commence immediately afterwards.