Trailblazers win season-opener in shutout fashion

By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
The 2023 season started on a high note for the Saugatuck girls soccer team.
Playing host to Zion Christian, the Trialblazers dominated both sides of the field and came away with a 6-0 victory.
“We controlled play throughout,” Saugatuck coach Jordan Campbell said.
Jenn Schock led the Trailblazers’ offensive charge, scoring a pair of goals. Adele Nieuwsma also had a hand—or foot—in two goals, as she scored one and assisted on another.
Iris Kuipers, Neave Rewa and Avery Smith added one goal each, with Erin Moerler contributing a pair of assists.
Kennedy Gustafson and Grace Greenwood split time in goal and shared the shutout.
Saugatuck was back in action on Monday, March 27, when it hosted Hamilton.
A goal from Joselyn Paskvan gave Hamilton a 1-0 edge over the Trailblazers midway through the first half. And the Hawkeyes never relinquished that lead as they tacked on a pair of second-half goals to hand Saugauck a 3-0 defeat.
“We just couldn’t dig ourselves out of that first-half deficit,” Campbell said.
A penalty kick goal from Mari DellaVecchia and a late tally by Emily McDonald accounted for Hamilton’s second-half goals. Emma Gauthier in net for Hamilton and secured the team’s second shutout in as many tries.
Gustafson racked up five saves for Saugatuck.