For the Antigo Times

The weather was perfect as the Antigo Ladies soccer team made school history, taking first place at their home tournament on Saturday, May 12. The tournament was the last home game of the season for the girls, as well as “Senior Saturday,” honoring Captain Payton Bunnell, Kailee Pomasl, and Manager Luis Hernandez.

Game one against Ironwood ended with a 1-1 tie. With solid trapping and offense, Antigo was able to keep the ball on Ironwood’s side of the field. However, with a few shots on goal along with a few corner kick opportunities, Antigo struggled to find the back of the net. Going scoreless into the half, both teams came back out ready to score. Ironwood was able to get a shot at the 37:20 mark. Antigo regained composure and midfielder Hannah Nonnenmacher along with her sister, Jami Nonnenmacher, were able to get a couple shots, but were struggling with timing. It wasn’t until 67:30 that Jami Nonnenmacher found the back of the net with an assist by junior wing KarleeMae Schulz.

Goal keeper Jena Nonnenmacher had 12 solid saves that helped keep the game in check along with captains senior Payton Bunnell and Sophmore McKenzie Schroepfer, who kept their defensive line tight and were able to pull off sides 5 times. Schroepfer was also able to get a shot as she and the midfield worked together. “The girls communication in the second half was key to them being able to keep the score at 1 -1 and to spend the majority of the half at the other end of the field, along with making good traps and being first to the ball in every situation,” said Assistant Coach Sara Schroepfer.

The girls came out ready to win in game two against Phillips. Right away, they did a nice job of moving the ball up the field, another outstanding job led by captains Bunnell and Schroepfer, along with a solid job by Addie Smith and Kelly Kamin. Wing KarleeMae Schulz was able to find the back of the net only to be called off sides at the 20:31 mark. Natalie Beford-Swearingin also had a good day playing attack and did a nice job of taking shots at the 18-yard mark. However, Phillip’s goalie was quick to grab them up. With an amazing one-on-one save from goalkeeper Jena Nonnenmacher, the score was 0-0 at the half.

This game proved to be more physical than the girls were ready for, and some adjustments had to be made going into the second half. The girls came out with the same intensity as they did all day, and that led to a goal made at 1:35 into the second half by Jami Nonnenmacher, assisted by freshman Emily Kassler. This would be the only score of the game. Junior Hannah Nonnenmacher took a beautiful corner kick, but their post was unable to connect to finish it off. Shots in the second half were taken by Emily Kassler, Maddie Spencer, KarleeMae Schulz and Hannah Nonnenmacher.

Keeper Jena Nonnenmacher made some excellent saves and was able to deliver solid punts to get the ball to the opposite end of the field. Antigo went on to win first place at their home invitational, which is a first for the girls soccer program. “The fundamentals were there and the girls were working together as a team. They set goals for themselves and each and every game, win or lose, they are giving us 110 percent! The girls have an unbelievable amount of trust for each other, and that is shining through a little more each game. They fought hard and never gave up and deserved this win, and we couldn’t be prouder of them,” said Schroepfer.