McCune scores twice, helps Culver improve to 12-0

Andrzejewski also scores in win over defending sectional champ LaVille

BY VAL TSOUTSOURIS

Sports Editor, RTC

Ava McCune

CULVER – The LaVille girls soccer program has been a formidable foe for Culver.

LaVille has won four sectional titles in their history, including last year. They were also a long-time menace when they were conference rivals in the Northern State and Hoosier North conferences.

The roles were reversed when they met Wednesday.

The No. 15 Lady Cavaliers got two goals from Ava McCune and a goal and an assist from Eliana Andrzejewski in beating the visiting Lady Lancers 3-0 Wednesday.

Culver improved to 12-0. LaVille fell to 5-6-1. They started the year 4-0 but have gone 1-6-1 since.

Alexis Gasanovas and Bre Hamilton also had assists for Culver.

Alyviah Williams had six saves in goal, most of them from long range, for the shutout.

Culver coach A.J. Neace praised his defenders afterwards. They had to keep LaVille midfielders Leena Karkiewicz and Kailey Hicks in front of them and not let them set up others. Freshman Madison Mishler also presented a speedy threat for the Lady Lancers.

“It’s every game,” Culver coach A.J. Neace said. “Aly Williams to Brooke Davis to Abigayle Zehner to Aiden Molebash to Maleah Johnson… they really lock it down for us. They did a great job.”

Gasanovas typically runs the right flank, and Andrzejewski runs the left with McCune often blasting full speed down the middle.

Gasanovas started the scoring when she fed Andrzejewski for the first goal with 20:01 left in the first half.

Andrzejewski said LaVille had defenders keying on her and McCune.

“That was one where I know Coach always tells me outstep (intentionally deflect the ball off the outside of one’s foot to create space) and shoot it,” Andrzewjewski said. “Outstep and get past all the defenders. Once I do that, the goalie’s playing up out of the box, and you just got to kick it past her.”

Hamilton missed a penalty kick with 16:57 left in the half after Andrzejewski was tripped in the box, but Culver continued to threaten.

McCune scored the second goal, pouncing on a juicy rebound off the hands of LaVille goalkeeper Denni Markin and kicking it into an open net inside the right post.

McCune then took a long hit-ahead pass from Hamilton and outraced the defense for the goal that made it 3-0 with 5:11 left in the half.

“I don’t think they played a high line,” Neace said. “I think they were trying to stay as tight to Eliana and Ava as they could without giving them much space to turn and get up to speed. But once the ball fell to El and Ava’s feet, it seemed like they sagged off a little bit to where they gave them that space to where they’re not going to outrun them. … It was more like flag through balls and chips to try and get it over the top to let those fast girls really run.”

Neace was asked about the meaning of beating LaVille.

“They’ve had a great program for a long time, especially being sectional champs last year,” Neace said. “So it’s always a big win. It’s up there with the Argoses and the Rochesters, those close schools that have always had soccer, and it’s always been a great battle.”

Andrzejewski, a junior, has 10 goals after scoring six in each of the last two years. McCune leads the team with 19. Andrzejewski said she has been playing soccer since she was 4.

Asked how much team chemistry has played a role in their undefeated season, Andrzejewski said “all of it.”

“I love the intensity of it,” Andrzejewski said. “I love having the ball at my feet. It’s great. And I love my teammates. My teammates this year are amazing.”