Early first half struggles by Fort Mill were all the Providence Day Chargers needed to take advantage of a 4-1 win over the Jackets.
The Chargers, ranked 27th in the nation, came in 2-0 overall having only allowed three goals in those two games total.
Providence Day scored twice in the first 20 minutes to get a comfortable lead. Fort Mill had a goal from Olivia Giarrizzi in the 24th minute of the first half to cut into the Chargers lead, but couldn’t add anything else to the scoreboard.
Fort Mill came out of the game at 1-1 overall, not counting their preseason make-shift tournament at Lexington, which was played at the last minute by the Jackets due to the cancelation of the Viking Cup at Spring Valley. Fort Mill head coach Joelle Brotemarkle knows it is early in the season and playing teams out of the Tar Heel State sets them up for the rest of the season.
“I love us playing them,” she said. “Its such good competition for us. They are compatible with what we would see in the playoffs. We have so many girls that can play, that are versatile.”
Providence Day controlled possession for much of the first half and got multiple shots on goal. For the most part, Jackets’ keeper Livy Burt was able to hold the Chargers at bay for much of the first half getting repeated saves off Providence shots on goal.
The second half was much of the same as Providence Day came out strong on offense and attacked Burt in goal within the first six minutes of the half. Burt held strong and was able to defend off the Chargers.
That defense held up only so much as the Chargers slipped on past Burt about nine minutes into the second half for a 3-1 lead.
Fort Mill did have a chance about midway through the second half on a penalty kick to cut into the Providence Day lead but bounced the ball off the right bar on a penalty kick. That would be the last chance the Jackets had in the game to score.
About seven minutes later, Providence Day added their fourth goal of the game, keeping possession for the majority of the time remaining.
Fort Mill next plays at Airport High March 18-21 in the Crescent Cup according to their schedule.
In other girls’ soccer, Catawba Ridge, led by Emma Sexton’s five goals, ran through Rock Hill 12-0 to improve 2-0 on the season and is scheduled to play South Pointe Friday. Nation Ford beat Indian Land 3-2 on penalty kicks and is scheduled to play against South Aiken at Brookland-Cayce.
Baseball
The Fort Mill varsity baseball team dropped its first game of the season losing 13-5 to Rock Hill as part of the Battle for the Fort preseason tournament. The loss drops the Jackets to 2-1 on the season. They are scheduled to play again March 11.
Girls Lacrosse
Nation Ford went on the road and beat Spring Valley 20-4 to improve to 5-2 overall on the season. They are scheduled to play March 11 against Ardrey Kell.
Golf
The Fort Mill boys golf team beat Nation Ford to open its season at Tega Cay Golf Club. Fort Mill shot a 149 as a team and was led by medalist Bryce Wittmer, who shot an even par 35. Nation Ford shot a 156 as a team. Following Wittmer’s even par score was a 36 from Keegan Brown, 37 from Griffin Tarver and a 41 from Cam Baker.
Nation Ford was led by a 37 from Ben Wakefield. His score was followed by a 38 from Colby McCaskill, a 39 from Gabe Schmitz, and a 42 from Justin Wosje.
Fort Mill travels to former home at Fort Mill Golf Club Thursday to take on Catawba Ridge and Northwestern in a tri-match. Nation Ford is scheduled to play a tri-match Thursday against Lancaster and South Pointe.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
