NORTH VERNON – Saeben Arce recorded a hat trick, and Bedford North Lawrence erupted for three goals during an 80-second span in the first half to conquer Jennings County 6-3 during boys high school soccer action on Thursday night.
Barrett Holtz added two goals as the Stars (3-7 overall, 1-3 in the Hoosier Hills Conference) ended a seven-match losing streak.
Trailing 2-1 in the late stages of the half, BNL exploded with an offensive assault. Arce scored at 6:23 (off a Zaden Roodschild assist), then connected again at 5:16 via a Ryan Wu pass. Holtz scored unassisted at 5:03 to cap the amazing rally.
“You could see our team was down, but we’re proud of them because they woke up and started to play the possession style of soccer that will make them compete with better teams,” BNL coach Reeve Arce said.
“All and all, it was a great showing. We keep telling them the measure of a man is one who is willing to get back up and keep trying, even after defeat after defeat. We played new starters tonight and moved existing starters around to different positions and team formation, and they responded well. We’re proud of them.”
Arce posted the first goal for the Stars at 25:32. In the second half, Raiden Todd found the net off an Arce pass for his first career goal at 25:48, and Holtz capped the scoring at 4:07 with a Silas Fortner assist.
After the Panthers (3-5 overall, 0-1 in the HHC) scored twice in the first half, BNL’s defense allowed only one late goal with 9:10 remaining. Jennings was hampered by cards (three yellows and two reds), and Owen Williams made eight saves in goal.
“Ian Wilcher took ownership, trying center back for our team and was an absolute beast,” Arce said. “He stepped up for the team filling a new role and shut down many scoring opportunities, leading our defense”
BNL will visit Edgewood on Monday.
