Patriots edge Norwell (08/30/07)

The Patriots were more than happy to turn conventional wisdom on its ear.

Jay County's girls soccer team lost 4-0 to the Norwell Knights in 2006. In the early going this year the Patriots lost 5-1 to Huntington North, a team Norwell clobbered 8-2.

Those numbers meant nothing Wednesday night as JCHS cashed in on a penalty kick and got outstanding defense and goalie work in a 1-0 victory over the visiting Knights.

"We played awesome tonight," said Patriot coach Sue Rager, whose team improved to 3-1. "The defense was working so very well together. ... They played phenomenally tonight."

The lone goal in the game came about 11 minutes into the second half after a Norwell defender shoved Dana Horn within the 18-yard box, resulting in a penalty kick. Jay County gave the opportunity to senior Cassandra Huelskamp, who took advantage with a shot to the top right corner for the game-winner score.

Huelskamp had four of the Patriots 13 shots in the game, and junior Brianne Wellman took six shots. Jordan Klansek took five shots on goal for Norwell, but Abby Loy turned in nine saves - she made a diving one-handed deflection on a free kick with about a minute to play - for the shutout.[[In-content Ad]]