High School Girls Soccer:
Deptford and Highland Duel To Overtime Tie

Saturday, September 12, 1998

By Art Redd
SJSports Staff Writer

It's here! The start of the 1998 High School fall sports. That's when students are excited about returning to school after that long summer break. Well, some of the students are excited. For Highland and Deptford, the season was under way for their girl's soccer teams. This non-league game was an important one to coaches Jim Smith (Highland) and Michelle Tims (Deptford). Early season victories can go a long way during the year. Both teams would have to settle for a 1-1 overtime decision.

Deptford would seem to have the early edge during the unusual warm temperatures. They would keep the pressure on Highland's goaltender Lauren Leoni but she would come up big. Deptford would finally get the ball into the net at the 12:13 mark on a goal by freshman Katlyn Pagaduan. The Spartans are returning this season with 10 letter winners and have high expectations of making the playoffs.

The Lady Tartans began the second half with a game plan to open up the field for their players to maneuver. Coach Smith had his players spread apart during their attack toward the goal and giving his forwards room to move around with the ball. That's when Kristen Hull received the ball from a corner kick at the 18 yard line and lofted the ball high, up and over the head of Deptford's keeper Stephanie Hinkle. This goal not only tied the score, but also gave Highland new life and seeking a come from behind victory at Deptford High School.

Each team couldn't put the ball into the net through both overtime periods and had to settle for the tie. There would be opportunities for both teams late in the second overtime, but each shot would go wide. When the final buzzer sounded, these exhausted young women would be happy to get out of the sun and go home with the draw.

Photos by Art Redd