September 30, 2011
San Antonio – Having recently made the switch from offense to defense, St. Mary’s sophomore Ashlyn Leighton understandably is still adjusting to her new role.
“I’m kind of still in the attacking mindset, but I’m trying to adapt to the defense,” the Houston native said.
Good thing the Rattlers embrace the attacking mindset just about everywhere on the field.
Helping St. Mary’s secure its second shutout of the season, Leighton and the Rattlers blanked Newman 2-0 in Heartland Conference action at Northside ISD Soccer Field.
Kaitie Kasperitis (Fr., Corpus Christi, Texas) recorded a goal and an assist, Leia Kirch (Jr., Carrollton, Texas) scored the other goal and Ashleigh Wells (Fr., Dallas) had an assist to help the Rattlers (5-2-2 overall) improve to 2-0 in league play.
“We’re really good at controlling the tempo, winning those 50-50 balls,” Leighton said of the defense. “We’re aggressive.”
Kasperitis, who now leads the Rattlers with eight goals through nine games, played the role of distributor in helping St. Mary’s secure an early 1-0 lead.
Racing past the defense down the right sideline, Kasperitis fired a crossing pass to Kirch, who pocketed her fourth goal of the year 16 minutes into the contest.
Later, Kasperitis returned to her scoring ways, using a Wells assist to give the Rattlers a 2-0 lead in the 55th minute.
Goalkeeper Paola Ostos (So., El Paso, Texas) recorded her second shutout of the year, saving four shots.
St. Mary’s will be back in action next Thursday, when they travel to Austin to take on St. Edward’s in a pivotal installment of “Battle of the Saints.” The game is set for 4 p.m.