On Friday night, the Hernando Leopards (8-10-1) shut out the Fivay Falcons (3-11-3) on senior night in the Leopards’ Den. The Purple and Gold’s dominating 8-0 victory saw multiple upperclassmen show out in a special final game of the regular season.
“Our goal was to play to our capable level and emphasize possession during the night,” said Hernando Head Coach David Shrader. “For the most part we did that, which gave us an opportunity to play some players in different positions in which they had never played before. Since it was Senior night, we hoped to make this as memorable and enjoyable as we could.”
The home team jumped out to a five score lead in the first half thanks in part to the performances of two seniors. Annabelle Chamberlain menaced opposing Goaltender Lilly Cromwell enroute to a hat trick.
It being senior night, Morgan played more offensively, and she subsequently put a pair of points past Cromwell. “It gave her a special memory on Senior night,” her coach added. Despite the Falcons’ goalie logging 19 saves, Hernando’s onslaught of 29 shots on goal would prove to be too great.
“Both Annabelle and Brielle are four-year letterman,” Coach Shrader said. “Great young ladies. Just the kind of leaders you want on the team. They’re always doing the right thing on and off the field.”
In fact, the Leopards have five different players that are four-year letterman. In addition to Chamberlain and Morgan, Skyla McCorts, Victoria Watler, and Madison Martin comprised an experienced and tight-knit squad.
Second year senior Callie Noe and first year seniors Morgan Kistler and Madeline Romine round out the senior-laden crew. This was the last time they would all take the field together, so they just enjoyed the moment and celebrated the win with their teammates.
When asked what he hopes his team is remembered for, Coach Shrader said that he will remember how his seniors gelled with five freshmen and a quartet of sophomores to “play well and enjoy each other as a team. They’re a team that never quit playing hard no matter the score.”
“They’re good now, but all are going to be great citizens when they graduate and make this world a better place for all of us,” Coach Shrader added.
Despite a similar record as last year, the Leopards head coach felt his team was stronger this season. A closer examination of the schedule would appear to indicate this with several close losses and a chance to win three games in a row (or more) heading into postseason play.
Coach Shrader also praised Coach Rizzieri of the Falcons who “always seems to get the best out of her players.” The Leopards’ staff also will look to coax the best possible play out of their veteran squad when they face the Pasco Pirates (4-10-3) in the 4A District 5 Tournament on January 27.
