Raczykowski's feet deliver rare feat

REARDAN-In the first 17 minutes of the Screaming Eagles Oct.11 soccer game against Upper Columbia Academy, sophomore Noelle Raczykowski drilled three goals into the Lions' net. Before the game ended, she added two more in Reardan's 6-2 victory.

Due to the stellar play of defenders Elise Cox, Vaea LaMoureaux and Mackenzie Bjornberg, the Lions rarely crossed midfield, allowing Raczykowski to wreak havoc on the offensive end. Two minutes into the game, her fancy footwork was on display as she weaved through a pride of Lions and drilled a shot over the outstretched arms of the Lions' goalie.

This was repeated four more times.

Screaming Eagles coach Heaven Berarducci complimented the team for their hustle and attributed their offensive success to the fact that they took possession of most of the "50/50 balls."

Bjornberg added the final goal when Raczykowski rewarded her for her hustle with a cross field pass that she fired into the net.

UCA's goals came in the second half from Katie Bunn and Skyla Jordan.

After the game Raczykowski said, "I thought I did very well today."

She went on to praise teammates Cox, Bjornberg and Danielle Murphy for their outstanding play, which contributed to her success.

Berarducci installed a new formation before the game and praised her team's ability to adapt. It allowed more of her players to get involved offensively.

"I am so proud of both teams today. They played their hearts out," she said.

With the win the Screaming Eagles' record improved to 2-3 in NE2B action. UCA dropped to 0-6. Next up for Reardan is a trip to St. George on Oct. 13.