Sports Shorts: May 5, 2016

EAST SOCCER

The Red Raiders and Menomonee Falls Indians played to a scoreless 0-0 draw April 27 in a Greater Metro Conference match to open a 1-2-1 week.

"It really was a match where I felt the ball was in our possession and on each other's feet for 75 percent of the time," coach Eric Dale said. "I loved how our outside backs were getting into the attacking third of the field and putting tons of pressure on their defense. Sadly, we weren't able to convert on a number of good chances."

The Raiders were able to put 18 shots on goal in the match to Menomonee Falls' two shots on goal.

"Our back four played outstanding," Dale said. "Clara Kuranz, Kyra Meach, Lauren Minette and Annie Oleniczakwere impenetrable. They kept great shape and were pushing us forward into the middle third all match long. Lily Brockwas terrific in goal as well, turning away a great chance for them late in the game. Our defense has only surrendered one goal in our last four matches. Now, we just have to find a way to get the ball into the net ourselves."

The Tosa East varsity girls soccer team pulled off a convincing win April 28 as they defeated Germantown, 4-0, on the road.

The Raiders scored two goals in the first 15 minutes of the match, putting the momentum clearly in their favor the rest of the way. Sophomore Liz Bueckerstallied the Raiders' first goal in the ninth minute after collecting a headed ball from fellow sophomore Evan Knaussand drilled a shot into the Warhawks goal from 20 yards out.

The second goal for the Raiders came in the 15th minute in "flip-flop" fashion as this time Knauss was able to finish off a Bueckers shot that rebounded right to her feet from point blank range, putting East up 2-0.

"Ever since we've put Evan into a starting role at attacking midfield, she has been awesome," Dale said. "She plays at a very high level of intensity and goes in hard on challenges. We talk about wanting to play 'downhill' all the time when we train, and Evan has taken that challenge to heart. She has great skill coupled with great work rate, and she's been putting up some big numbers for us."

The goals kept coming in the second half with Minette getting into the mix. Sophomore Elyse Reaganswitched the field on a long ball through the middle third, and outside back Minette found herself working with 30 yards of open field. She carried forward for a few touches and, with the wind at her back, fired a shot from 35 yards out that cleared the Germantown keeper's head and found the back netting.

"That was one of those shots where you say, 'What the heck, let it fly,'" Dale said. "And to Lo's credit, she didn't hesitate. When an outside back with a good shot has space to play with, someone better challenge. It was an incredible shot and a fantastic goal."

The Raiders closed out the scoring in the 72nd minute when junior Karley Haar assisted on a goal for sophomore Crosbie Kowalski.

Top-ranked in Division 2, Waukesha West beat Tosa East, 4-1, on April 29. Nat Yass had two goals and Dani Rhodes had two assists as West took a 4-0 lead. Sydney Halsteadscored off a pass from Mariana Ibanez-Baldorto prevent the shutout in the 85th minute. It was her first goal.

"There were moments in the first half, especially where we possessed and connected well in the midfield," Dale said. "That finishing third is where we need to press and become more urgent at finishing the product. Stringing passes together can be pleasing to watch, but if you're not getting that end result, it's wasted work. We need to start finishing better."

The Red Raiders then tied Tosa West, 1-1, on Saturday.

WEST SOCCER

Tosa West traveled to Cudahy/St. Francis and rolled to a 9-0 victory, taking a 5-0 lead at halftime, and then ended the week with two ties.

Gaby Zabalascored off a pass from Emily O'Connell, Anna Ganzerfollowed with a goal (Erin Schautassist), O'Connell scored two unassisted goals and Kate Murphyscored off a pass from Hannah Fuerstenaufor a 5-0 lead.

Then Schaut scored with an assist from Zabala, Irene Phillipsscored with an assist from O'Connell, Sam Struckscored off a pass from Alyssa Piekand Emily Wagyclosed out the offense with an assist from Becca Barton.

The Trojans and New Berlin Eisenhower tied Wauwatosa West, 0-0, on April 28 at Eisenhower. Defensive dominated as the Lions' Ava Siefert had seven saves and the Trojans' Marley Eckbladhad two.

"We were the better team, but we were not able to assert ourselves on them," coach Ryan Bailey said. "We had chances to win it, but nothing materialized. Our back line of Chloe Beaudoin, Lauren Mayer, Caitlin Campbell, Megan Stoffeland Chloe Pepkewas outstanding."

West, which tied Tosa East, 1-1, on April 30, is tied with the Lions for first place in the Woodland (5-0-1) and 7-1-3 overall.

EAST TENNIS

The Wauwatosa East boys tennis team lost to Marquette, 5-2, at Hart Park on April 26, was rained out against Brookfield East on April 28 and then took part in a rain-shortened Trojan/Spartan Invite.

Both wins against the powerful Hilltoppers came from the Red Raiders' undefeated players, Jordan Crumpat No. 1 singles and Evan Christophersonat No. 2 singles.

"Results were mixed," coach Glen Slonac said about the Saturday tournament. "Our singles played good, and our doubles continues to struggle with consistence and poor first-serve percentage. I have seen an improvement regarding game strategy and great play from our seniors. We are at a point were we need the new players on varsity to set up their game play if we want to continue to be successful."

Here is a breakdown from Trojan-Spartan Invite.

Crump won his first match against Union Grove and then lost to Brookfield East. No. 2 Singles Michael Lockhartwon his first match against Union Grove and lost to Brookfield East.

No. 3 singles Christopherson continues to play well and remains undefeated on the season, winning against Greendale and Brookfield East, and was in the finals before the rains came.

No. 4 singles Mitchell Weinberg-Kinseywon his first match against Greendale, and that was the only match he played.

"Mitchell played a very good match and was very patient during his play," Slonac said. "He is doing a better job of setting up points."

Looking at the doubles lineup, No. 1 doubles Josh Erdtmann/Liam McMahon lost to Franklin and Muskego, the latter a third-set match tiebreaker.

No. 2 doubles Sam Kodzik/Jacob Muenzenberglost to Franklin and Muskego, also losing a third-set match tiebreaker.

No. 3 doubles Max Shiller/ Vince Teofilolost to Franklin and then won against Union Grove.

"Overall, we played good tennis, but our doubles needs to close out matches and just execute slightly better," Slonac said.

— Compiled by Tom "Sky" Skibosh