Ravens Prevail Over the Nikes

April 12, 2024
Hillcrest Ravens 1, Burlington Notre Dame 0
Article submitted by Coach Marcus Miller

The Ravens defensive efforts made their one goal stand up as they prevailed over Burlington Notre Dame 1-0 on a windy night in Burlington. The Ravens back line, anchored by Bryce Bailey and Mason Helmuth, along with Isaac Birky and Lincoln Miller, and midfielders Mason Bender and Seth Ours made it difficult for Notre Dame to maintain possession in the middle of the field, or to launch a sustained attack limiting them to nine shots during the match. Birky and Miller did an especially good job defending the long crossing balls which were difficult to read in the strong crossing winds. 

The Ravens created several good offensive opportunities in the first half as Jesse Blossom, Micah Gerber, Rowan Miller,  Mason Swartzendruber along with Phoenix Anderson and Isaac Beachy worked hard to create scoring opportunities, but Notre Dame’s defense was also stingy, keeping the score knotted at 0 at halftime.

A couple of halftime adjustments paid dividends quickly when 4 minutes into the half, Blossom and Rowan Miller combined to get the ball into the penalty box. A shot deflected the ball to Mason Swartzendruber who took a couple dribbles to find space before he launched a shot, sending the ball by the keeper.

As the Ravens tried to add to their lead, Notre Dame increased their pressure, but the Ravens were up to the task as the defensive line held up well and goalie Kyle Neuschwander got to those balls, which found their way through.  Neuschwander recorded 5 saves to preserve the shutout and the win. 

The Ravens move to 3-0 in the conference and 4-0 overall. The Ravens return to action Thursday, hosting Danville in a game that begins at 6:30 pm.