Ben Murphy
Contributing Writer
(Photo provided – There is pride in accomplishment for the Eaton Rapids Greyhounds as they celebrate winning the Division 3 Championship, on their home field.)
The Eaton Rapids girls soccer team is on a bit of a heater. The Lady Greyhounds haven’t lost a game since April 25, and they remained red hot last week, winning a Division 3 district championship on their home field.
They opened up the tournament with 8-0 win over Quincy on May 26, then followed that up with a 6-0 win over Brooklyn Columbia Central in the championship on May 28.
“To hold the district championship trophy with this talented group of athletes on our home field was amazing,” head coach Andy Crow said. “The girls were prepared having worked hard all season, including a two week grind where we played nine games in 12 days going 4-5. They endured and haven’t lost since April, going on a nine game unbeaten run capped with a district title. We have more work to do, but the moment was huge.”
In the 6-0 win over Columbia Central, Kennedie Crow had two goals, Hannah Garity had one goal and two assists and Delaney Collins, Kylie Alvarez and Chloe Look had one goal apiece.
“We left no doubt in the district championship, rolling past Columbia Central in a match that was firmly controlled from start to finish,” Crow said. “We dictated the pace early and never let up, showcasing depth, balance, and relentless pressure on both ends of the field.
“One of the biggest moments of the night came from Alvarez, who found the net in her first game back after recovering from ACL surgery; an inspiring return that energized both her teammates and the crowd. Addy Schultz chipped in with two assists, and Estella Peterson added another to keep the offense flowing.”
Eaton Rapids improved to 14-7-1 overall with the win, and they were taking part in the regional tournament earlier this week.
Seniors helping lead the team this year are Kennedie Crow, Lauren Mills, Hannah Garity, Kylie Alvarez, Kyra Kennedy, and Estella Peterson.
“For this group of seniors, success has been a constant,” Crow said. “They won four straight league titles; the only four in program history. They won two district titles and a CAAC Bronze Cup Championship. Their leadership has elevated the level of play and the expectations along with it. They push their teammates to be better every practice and the results on display in the Eaton Rapids High School trophy case.
“It will be sad to see them graduate, but this team is loaded with underclassmen starters who will continue the run for years to come.”
