NEWPORT – Nick Suarez began his high school soccer coaching career at Jefferson.
Bobby Smith got his start at Airport.
Suarez got the upper hand when they met again on Wednesday, Sept. 3, as his Airport team blanked Smith’s Jefferson squad 4-0.
“Tonight’s game carried a little extra meaning for everyone,” Saurez said. “We’ve essentially swapped programs. It was a great honor to share the touchline with Bobby and Doug (assistant coach Doug Link). What they’re doing at Jefferson speaks volumes to them as coaches and it’s great to see them turning that program around.”
Smith returned the compliments.
“Airport is such a well-coached team,” he said. “I give a ton of credit to Coach Suarez and the incredible job he’s done building a great program. They did a great job controlling the midfield.”
Nolan Ortega scored three goals for Airport and Nolan Sanders had the other.
“The duo of Nolan Sanders and Nolan Ortega might be the best duo in the Huron League,” Smith said.
Airport is off to a 2-3-1 start.
“This season we find ourselves fighting every game,” Saurez said. “Our strength of schedule has been no accident — we’ve really looked to test ourselves against some of the top programs in Monroe and Downriver.”
Jefferson, also 2-3-1, was led by Jackson Vallie, who made 21 saves.
“He continues to be an absolute rock for us in net,” Smith said. “He was busy the entire game, but remained poised under relentless pressure, while still managing the pace of the game.”
THURSDAY’S TOP PERFORMERS
VOLLEYBALL
Lucy Monaghan, Bedford: Hit .400 with 10 kills and 5 blocks as the Mules beat Pinckney Pinckney 25-14, 25-12 and New Boston Huron 25-11, 25-23. Cady Fischer also has a big night with 20 assists and 7 digs while Hayden Fausze added 8 kills and Blair Russow 15 digs.
Lacy Evans, Dundee: Accumulated 37 digs as the Vikings rallied after losing first two sets to beat Toledo Central Catholic 18-25, 14-25, 25-22, 25-18, 15-13. Lilly Motylinski added 14 kills and 4 aces. “This team’s resilience, determination and teamwork led to an impressive comeback victory,” said Dundee coach Keri Salenbien.
Maylie Mullins, Whiteford: Rang up 11 kills, 9 digs and 18 points in a 25-13, 25-21, 25-8 win over Morenci. Kailee LaVoy added 9 kills and Savannah Seevers 16 digs for the 4-6 Bobcats.
Paige Konrad, Erie Mason: Recorded 7 blocks in a 17-25, 25-23, 19-25, 13-25 loss to Lenawee Christian. Zoie Stubleski and Addie Homrich tied for the team lead with 9 kills each and Jayanna Willets logged 25 digs.
GIRLS SWIMMING
Sophia Smith, Monroe: Celebrated her birthday by being part of four wins as the Trojans thrilled a big crowd with wins over Woodhaven (111-75), Ypsilanti (140-32) and St. Mary Catholic Central 141-42. SMCC beat Ypsilanti 115-54 and fell 135-48 to Woodhaven. Nikki Rykse, Emerson Gruber, Morgan Kleinow, Delani Willey, Abby Dieckmann and Madison Mahoney all were part of 1-2 finishes for the Trojans.
Lily Ratliff, Dundee: Won the butterfly and backstroke and swam with Sloan Branum, Kim Coon and Lily Homrich on the winning 200-yard freestyle relay as the Vikings beat Riverview 93-92 and Melvindale 145-6 and lost to Allen Park 115-71.
GIRLS GOLF
Abby Kirk, Bedford: Shot a round of 57 and Sophie Kops added 58 in a 177-239 loss to Chelsea at Bedford Hills.
WEDNESDAY’S TOP PERFORMANCES
BOYS SOCCER
Fred Brown, Milan: Scored his team’s first three goals as the Eagles rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit to beat St. Mary Catholic Central 5-1. Tanner Lambers had a goal and an assist and Andrew Cruz also scored. Caleb Furlong and Robert Gill notched assists.
Ian Petrick, New Boston Huron: Scored half of his team’s goal in an 8-0 victory over Riverview. Maverik Bazzy racked up a goal and a trio of assists. Other goal scorers were Martin Krajcz, Matthew Hussey and Mason Thomas. Ian Ankenbauer earned the shutout in goal.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Ortega scores three as Airport tops Jefferson in soccer battle
Reporting by Niles Kruger, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
