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GIRLS SOCCER: Flurry of first half goals pushes James Buchanan past Shippensburg


MERCERSBURG >> It took James Buchanan's girls soccer team a little while to get used to its new home on Tuesday evening.

But once they did, the Rockets were quick to give their new nets some work.

James Buchanan used a flurry of late first-half goals to beat Mid Penn Colonial Division foe Shippensburg 4-0 on its brand new home field – the James Buchanan High School Rocket Soccer Field.

"I think the grass here is a little thicker, and it just took us a while to get used to the field," JB coach Terry Appleby said. "We have a tendency of starting a little slow, but once we got going we were able to put some balls in the net."

Mick Heinbaugh got things started in the 23rd minute when she attacked the near post along the right side and finished close to the goal to give the Rockets (2-2, 1-0 MPC) a 1-0 lead.

Less than 10 minutes later, Rocket Madison Peck had her shot deflected, but the ball went to Sydney Benedick just outside the 18, and she fired one into the back of the net. Two minutes later, Kayla Snider scored from just inside the 18 to put James Buchanan up 3-0.

"I thought we could have possessed a little more, but overall I'm happy with how we played," Appleby said. "We played some good teams over the weekend, so it was nice to come out here and be rewarded for our hard work."

Heinbaugh put the finishing touches on the night early in the second half. From just inside the 18 along the right side, Heinbaugh sent in a cross, but the ball found its way into the far corner to give the Rockets 4-0 cushion.

"I think we played well tonight on the attack," Heinbaugh said. "We have a lot of very fast players up top, so we were able to use that speed to our advantage."

The Lady Hounds (0-3, 0-1 MPC) had some chances in the first half, including a bullet that hit off the post, but they were shut out for the third straight game to start the season.

"We're so close," Ship coach Mary Miller said. "I feel it, and the girls feel it, too. We're doing a lot of good things; it's just a matter of us putting it together and getting balls in the net. I think when we finally score, the flood gates will open."

The Rockets out-shot Shippensburg 20-13 and had a 14-7 advantage in shots on goal. Ship freshman keeper Hannah Pletcher finished with 10 saves.

Heinbaugh said, "We played some good teams in Gettysburg and Waynesboro over the weekend, so I think this game will give us a lot of confidence. We've been the team in the middle of the pack the last couple years, but we think this is our year to take that step forward."

NOTES >> After the game, James Buchanan had a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the new field ... The field was created to give the soccer team its own venue and help preserve the football field.

James Buchanan 4 Shippensburg 0

Shippensburg00—0James Buchanan31—4

First half — (JB) Mick Heinbaugh, unassisted, 23rd, (JB) Sydney Benedick, 32nd, (JB) Kayla Snider, 34th.

Second half — (JB) Heinbaugh, 52nd.

Shots — Ship 13, JB 20; Corner kicks — Ship 2, JB 2; Saves — Ship 10 (Hannah Pletcher), JB 7 (Siara Gossert 7, Nina Shatzer 0).