According to the schedule, it was Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin’s second game of the year.
Based on how the team played in its 6-0 win over Chardon, the Lions appeared to be in midseason form.
Coming off a 3-0 season-opening victory against West Geauga, the Lions used a crisp passing game, speed and a relentless defensive effort to blank the up-and-coming Hilltoppers team.
“They played really well,” said Lions first-year coach Matt Tainer. “They started connecting on passes early.”
Once the Lions (2-0) settled down in the opening minutes, Chardon (0-2) faced the nearly impossible task of trying to keep NDCL off the scoreboard despite missing three starters.
Held scoreless the first 17 minutes, the Lions finally broke through.
Junior Elena Brkic found the back of the net to put her team up 1-0.
Four minutes later, a goal by junior Marina Hess made it 2-0.
Junior Frankie Forte then scored the first of her two goals with 13:28 to play. She struck again with 17 seconds left in the first half to put NDCL up 4-0 at halftime.
Late in the second half, sophomore Erica Leinweber and junior Lauren Minerd each scored goals to up the lead to 6-0.
Perhaps lost in the Lion’s impressive offensive performance was their defensive effort, as Chardon took less shots on goal than NDCL scored.
The Lion’s suffocating defense held Chardon’s talented forwards in check, limiting their touches.
It was a difficult night for the Toppers, who had trouble getting the ball out of their zone.
“We challenged our girls at halftime to forget about the first half and play better in the second half,” said Chardon coach Chad Johnston. “Our energy wasn’t there in the first half.”
Johnston said the Lions are one of the best teams they will face all year.
The Hilltoppers struggled to pass the ball.
Counting their three preseason games, Chardon has used five different starting lineups. With players out due to injury and other reasons, Johnston has been forced to move players around.
With the inconsistency showed against a good NDCL team, Johnston hopes his players will continue to build chemistry, especially with a lot new faces on the varsity roster.
The Lions also boast a young team, starting seven juniors and four sophomores.
“I’m lucky to have a team of very talented players,” Tainer said.
All of NDCL’s future opponents should take notice. If the Lions are playing this well now, additional games and additional practices will only make them better.