By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Most members of the hottest team on the Bedford North Lawrence campus cannot legally drive a car to school. But these Stars – quite a collection of headbands, braids and turf burns – have certainly shifted into high gear.
Just two weeks ago, BNL’s youth was showing while starting the season with four heavy losses. Check them out now. The Stars have grown up in a hurry.
Putting together, without a doubt, its best performance of the year, BNL extended its winning streak to four straight games, all by shutouts, and handed Trinity Lutheran its first loss of the campaign. Two freshmen scored goals as the Stars (4-4) conquered the Cougars 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.
With pinpoint passing, with midfield aggression to win touches and maintain offensive pressure, with a brilliant save by rookie goalie Aubrey Lynn, BNL was solid in all phases. Roslyn Himmelspach and Jenna Mullis found the net, while the back of the formation kept the Cougars (5-1-2) at bay.
That’s how the game should be played.
“We were all passing, we were all talking, our passing was on point,” BNL sophomore Elizabeth Miskuf said. “Everything we did was really good. We could definitely improve some things, but we’re working hard together. I think our teamwork is just amazing. We’re being a team.“
BNL was shorthanded with attacker Summer Hughes sitting out while recovering from a concussion. That did not phase the Stars. Himmelspach got BNL on the board with a goal in only 105 seconds, as she lofted a 30-yard shot from the left wing. Trinity goalie Annie Kleffman got fingers on the high shot but could not deflect it away.
In the second half, Mullis worked the middle of the penalty box, taking a Miskuf pass and cracking a shot to the right corner at 20:02. That was all the Stars needed.
This streak is impressive. Four wins, four shutouts, with Lynn making a diving save late in the first half to keep that run intact. The Cougars were averaging 4.8 goals per game.
“I like building my team from the back,” BNL coach Jordan Himmelspach said. “Granted, we have a great team up front, which keeps it on the attacking half. We’re taking a lot of pressure off the back line. And Lennon (Blevins, in the defensive back line) has been a rock, she plays calm.
“So many times, the defense is taught to stay back. I’m trying to change the mindset. We don’t have defensive players or offensive players, we are on offense when we control the ball, and everyone is on defense. They get it started, move up and support.”
Miskuf was a central figure in the middle of the midfield, keeping the Cougars pinned back.
“I give it up to both of my midfielders,” Himmelspach said. “Cambria (Loy) and Miskuf do a great job. They play off each other, each game they get a little better, figuring out the space between them and connecting. Elizabeth is a rock out there.
“After every game, we look to improve. They work hard, they take the feedback. We’re playing really well right now.”
“We’re not scared of the ball, we’re ready to take it, any time we get a chance,” Miskuf said. “When we get a chance to help our team, we try to do that.”
BNL will seek to extend the streak when it hosts Seymour on Thursday.
