The Alpena CC Lumberjacks didn’t stand a chance against the Ocelots offensive power as the team secured a crushing 11-0 victory on Saturday, Sept. 13. A result the match was called before the ninety minute mark in accordance with a new NJCAA rule.
The Ocelots delivered a stellar performance, with standout players including Ella Vandemergel, who scored a hat-trick, and Brianna Murphy, who contributed a goal and four assists.
“Today’s game was more of a team build-up to go through the motions with each other, and playing as a team together is what got us through the game” said Vandemergel. “I really feel that going into a game with a good mindset will help you throughout the game.”
The dominance began just one minute into the game when Vandemergel opened the scoring with an assist from Raina Lutz and Murphy.
The Ocelots struck again at the 22nd minute mark when Anastasia Slebodnik scored the second goal at 22 minutes, with an assist from Kira Johnson.
The rout continued with goals from Gabby Callaghan (33:00) and Belen Ibanez (35:00).
In the final minutes of the first half, Avery Schultz also found the back of the net and Vandemergel scored her second goal in the first half, making it 6-0 in favor of the Ocelots.
In the second half, the team maintained an intense pace.
At 52 minutes, Lutz scored with assists from Elaina Vandermergel and Murphy. Soon after, Ella Vandemergel completed her hat-trick making it 8-0.
“Scoring the three goals made me feel happy and excited for my team,” Vandemergel said.
Murphy, who already had four assists, then had her turn to score, followed by Kelsey Ware, who scored her first goal of the season.
To seal the victory, Elle Lotarski scored the final goal of the match at the 68th minute mark, closing the scoreboard at 11-0.
The team’s control of the game is evident in the numbers: the Ocelots had 38 shots on goal, converting 11 of them.
The team showed great progress since the last game, demonstrating a clear improvement in finishing and offense. Alpena’s goalkeeper saved 15 shots, but it was not enough to stop the determined Schoolcraft team from taking the victory.
The Ocelots are now 4-2 on the season, with great momentum heading into their next matchup against Muskegon CC at home.next Friday, Sept. 19. Kickoff begins 12 p.m.
For more information on schedules, rosters and game stats to go www.schoolcraftocelots.com.
