Lady Trojans post 3-0 shutout in weather-shortened soccer contest

New Kent's Payton Melvin (18) engages in a race to the ball with Northampton's Yailin Cruz.

Alan Chamberlain photo

New Kent’s Lady Trojans dominated Northampton’s visiting Yellow Jackets, building a 3-0 halftime advantage and making that margin stand up in a weather-shortened Thursday night soccer contest.

Approaching thunderstorms halted play five minutes into the second half, but the result stands as an official contest. The Lady Trojans improved to 3-5.

“The girls did what they had to do,” said winning coach Steve Grech. “We got in some good practices this week, and it’s good to get the first game coming off spring break. Unfortunately, the weather stopped the game, but I’m happy we won.”

New Kent held a 13-0 edge in shots on goal when the end came. Lady Trojan goalie Lauren Barney had what amounted to a night off, pressed into service only to gather in a long Northampton pass late in the first half. By contrast, Yellow Jacket keeper Brianna Dennis had to make seven saves.

Dennis, however, did not stop a Kristen Taylor shot that split her hands to give New Kent a 1-0 lead just over 12 minutes into the match. Just past the first half’s midpoint, Chloe Picone took a pass from Grace Lysek, blasting a shot past Dennis for a 2-0 advantage. Taylor then added a second goal with just under eight minutes left on an assist from Nae White.