Cassopolis turned a loss against Three Rivers, where it let a one-goal lead slip way, into a resounding defensive performance versus Buchanan Monday.

A formidable defensive line of Marissa Waldschmidt, Maddie Ruff, Mandy Bruens and Maddie Cutting matched the ill-tempered April weather, providing no room for Buchanan to operate efficiently during their attacking forays.

Coupled with an outstanding hustle by freshman Amy Adams and junior Melody Cutting playing in the central midfield, Cassopolis dictated the pace and rhythm of the game while sacrificing greater possession to the Bucks.

Senior, Janye Butts’ speed and physicality easily matched the speedy Buchanan attackers, who again and again saw their tame efforts roll harmlessly into the hands of goalkeeper Brittney Prestly, who always seemed to be in the right place.

While the defense absorbed the Buchanan attack, senior forwards Kortenei Suggs and Lotte Pedersen were always ready to pounce on any opportunity that came their way.  They made punishing runs through the Bucks’ defense and ultimately proved to be too fast and too precise in their finishing for Buchanan.

Suggs scored four goals in a match where she was at times unplayable, even when corralled by three defenders. Two of those goals were on assists from Pedersen, who carved through the midfield and defenders on the right side repeatedly. Pedersen had a goal that she rifled into the roof of the net from 25 yards out after a layoff by Suggs.

Cassopolis is now 3-0 in conference and host Berrien Springs on Thursday.

 

CASSOPOLIS 5, BUCHANAN 1

Cassopolis goals

Kortenei Suggs 4

Lotte Pedersen 1

 

Cassopolis assists

Pedersen 2

Marissa Waldschmidt

Amy Adams

Suggs

 

Shots On Goal

Buchanan 24

Cassopolis 17

 Varsity record: Cassopolis 3-0 BCS