Of the seven matches that the Marietta High girls' soccer team played in the adidas National High School Showcase in Strongsville July 17-19, five kicked off in the morning.
In fact, the ladies had to rise and shine at 5:30 a.m. Saturday for their scheduled 7 a.m. contest against West Branch.
7 a.m.?
"While warming up, the girls got to see a sunrise," said MHS head coach Jeff Price.
Sounds like a beautiful sight, a little morning glory.
It was also a little coolish, according to Price.
"It was actually freezing," said the coach, kiddingly. "I thought it was going to snow. I mean, I was only wearing shorts and a T-shirt.
"For July, it was amazing. Usually, it's scorching, and you're dying of heat."
The Tiger booters opened up tournament competition with two afternoon matches on Friday, against Rocky River 1 and Geneva, respectively. Three more contests were played on Saturday and two on Sunday.
Each match was 40 minutes in length with unlimited substitution. During fall competion, that of course would be just one half of play.
"They were shortened games," said Price of the adidas National Showcase event.
With an unlimited roster size at his disposal, Price was able to take 17 players to Strongsville, not counting keeper Kaitlyn Bonar and midfielder Mary Beth Schramm, both of whom are recovering from injuries.
"The both came to support their teammates," Price said.
Marietta got an opportunity to highlight defender Alyssa Hill in a Friday night adidas Freshmen All-Star match.
On Saturday, MHS upperclassmen Jenna Hanner, Sarah Lathrop, and Ashton Koons competed in an 8-versus-8 spotlight tilt. Koons scored a goal, Hanner got an assist, and Lathrop, a 2008 All-SEOAL defender, was named the Player of the Game.
"These spotlight games were mainly for girls thinking of going on and playing in college," Price said. "They were watched and evaluated by a lot of scouts."
Overall, Price said he was pleased with the Tigers' performance on the pitch.
"There were some good things," he said. "But there are some things we need to work on obviously."
With Bonar, a 2008 All-SEOAL honoree, possibly out for the season with an ACL tear, Price got an opportunity to see a couple of his other keepers - Skylar Harvey and Jordan Metts - in action between the pipes.
"Skylar is a first-year player, and right now, I would say that Jordan is the leading candidate," Price said.
Last season, Metts was a defensive midfielder.
And, finally, there are still tickets available for the Marietta High girls' non-conference match with Reynoldsburg at Columbus Crew Stadium at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.
Just phone Price at 525-2975, or e-mail the head coach at Jeffhp@suddenlink.net.
Notice that it's a morning game. But, at least, it's not starting at 7 a.m.
Ron Johnston is the Marietta Times sports editor, and can be reached at 376-5441 or at rjohnston@mariettatimes.com
