Balanced Indians take care of Monarchs

Franconia — In a 13-1 win over Upper Perkiomen 13 days ago, Souderton flexed its scoring depth as eight different goal scorers registered on the 13-goal tally. In Friday’s non-league matchup with Gwynedd Mercy Academy the story was the same, at least for the first half, as five different scorers netted six half goals en route to a 14-8 win.

“I want each of these girls to know that they’re all capable,’ Souderton coach Kelly Kelly said. “They are all stars and I think that of each one of them and I want them to believe in themselves.’

The game featured two great midfielders Souderton senior Natalie Bulgier and GMA senior Alexa Paul. Both players put on a clinic on how to play the midfield position as they demonstrated the offensive, defensive and transition aspects of the game brilliantly.

It was apparent from the start that GMA was going to have trouble from the speed Souderton can play with and Paul did her best to neutralize the speedy Indians by being a groundball hog, controlling the faceoff X and trying to control the ball for the Monarchs. Paul netted two goals to go with her all around solid play.

“She played the circle, picking up ground balls, she played low defense when we had to shut them down a little bit and of course she’s down-low attack running the plays and scoring for us. She was everywhere,’ GMA coach Deb Lawlor said.

For Bulgier she let her thoroughbred talent shine through intercepting Monarch passes in the defensive zone and leading the break neck Souderton transition. Bulgier also showcased her scoring prowess as she scored a game-high five goals including four in the second half to ice the game away for the Indians.