One thing a coach wants more than anything is a team that runs itself.
When moments get tense or players need to step up, nothing’s better than watching them work it out, hold each other accountable, and rally to get the job done.
“We have a very smart team with a high soccer IQ,” Manchester Valley girls soccer coach Wade Shank said. “Usually, they can adjust to what a team is doing and respond.”
A response was exactly what the Mavericks needed — and Shank got it in a pivotal county matchup on the road. After falling behind early, the Mavericks dominated the second half to defeat Winters Mill, 3-1, on Monday night.
“It’s always a fun matchup when these two teams play,” he said as his team improved to 5-3, 2-2 in Carroll County. “Regardless of what the records are coming in, it’s going to be a fun, competitive game.”
After Winters Mill’s Hannah Neske found the back of the net early in the first half, the Falcons (8-2, 1-2) were energized by Riley Hollinger, the junior varsity goalie who got the call-up unexpectedly after the varsity starter fell ill. Hollinger stood tall, and Cameron Mays and Jasmine Slater were among several Falcons who stepped up to support their young goalkeeper in a first half owned by the home team.
“We came out flat,” Shank said bluntly. “First half, they pretty much came in and dominated us.”
Needing a spark, Shank stayed silent — his captains delivered the message at halftime. Seniors Addison Meyer and Hailey Partridge wear the captain’s armbands with pride for the Mavericks. For Partridge, her words rang loud and clear for her closest and longest-running teammate: younger sister Mackenzie.
“[They] basically just make sure that we aren’t giving up,” Mackenzie said. “We all motivate each other and encourage each other not to give up but to keep working.”
The Mavericks came out of the break on fire, scoring two goals in a three-minute span. The biggest halftime adjustment was a commitment by the Mavericks to use their speed and athleticism to push the ball up field, repeatedly beating the Falcons to long passes at both ends.
Mackenzie Partridge struck first with a goal, then regained possession and found Hailey, who scored to make it 2-1, as the Mavericks began to cruise toward win No. 5.
“I know Hailey will always make it down the sideline because she’s so fast and can outrun everybody,” Mackenzie said. “There’s always the opportunity for the back post that we see a lot.”
After every goal, the sisters find each other — sharing a hug, jumping into each other’s arms, catching each other midair. They relish every moment they have playing together.
“It’s great being together and sharing those moments with her,” Hailey said. “Especially with it being my senior year, it’s such a great and unique experience.”
The energy became contagious. The Mavericks stepped up defensively and shut the Falcons down after Neske’s early strike. Kamryn Ellis sealed the win with a goal in the final moments, and just like that, the Mavericks went from trailing 1-0 to walking away with a hard-fought road victory.
Now, the Mavericks look ahead to senior night against Westminster on Tuesday and a matchup with defending county champion Century on Thursday.
“All the games in the county are tough, so senior night should pump them up,” Shank said. “Then we have Century, so we have to get pumped up all over again.”
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