Redbirds fly to victory over Tritons

DE PERE – On Tuesday, May 13, the De Pere Redbirds took their second victory within their conference competition as they fought against the Notre Dame Academy Tritons with a final score of 4-0.

As the whistle blew and the game began, Notre Dame Academy took the ball from kickoff, immediately taking the ball towards De Pere’s goal.

After a shot within the first minute of the game by the Tritons, the Redbirds soared with the balls towards the Tritons’ goal. 

“I think we did really well tonight, [both] connecting passes and being dangerous on goal,” explained De Pere senior Jocelyn Blahnik. “We really wanted to come out and be a first-half team, the last couple of games we came out as a second-half team and wanted to switch it around today.”

As the Redbirds gained possession and strengthened their offense, Adaiah Rezachek, De Pere sophomore, scored the first goal for the Redbirds four minutes into the game.

Using the momentum, the Redbirds continued to maintain possession and take shots, resulting in the second goal of the night being scored by De Pere senior Gabby Courtois eight minutes in.

With a commanding lead of 2-0 in the first 10 minutes of the game, the Redbirds were not done. 

13 minutes into the game, De Pere sophomore Alexa Spaeth scored the third goal of the night for the Redbirds.

With incredible saves by both De Pere keeper Blahnik, as well as Notre Dame Academy sophomore keeper Evelyn D’Angelo, the score remained close as the Redbirds maintained a majority of ball possession.

While the fight for the conference win continued, De Pere junior Keira Washington added the final goal of the night with the last five minutes of the first half. 

“We had to make sure our warmup was a lot stronger than it has been and that helped us come out a lot stronger,” said De Pere senior Gabby Courtois. “I think we came out very strong tonight and had a lot of energy that helped us win the 

game.” 

As the second half commenced with a De Pere kickoff, both teams fought for the possession of the ball.

With strong shots and fight from both teams, the second half remained close.

After free kick opportunities from offsides and fouls for both teams, neither team were successful in shots, ending the game with a final 4-0 victory for the Redbirds.

“I think our motivation really stems from us picking each other up, encouraging each other, and keeping the talk on the field positive,” explained Blahnik. “I think we came out and are seated at a good spot in the conference for future successful games.”

The De Pere Redbirds will continue their fight within the conference on Thursday, May 15 home against the Bay Port Pirates, while the Notre Dame Academy Tritons will play away on May 15 against the Green Bay Southwest Fighting Trojans.

“I think just coming out and having fun is our biggest priority and that definitely worked tonight,” says Courtois. “I think a lot of our conference games coming up will be difficult, but knowing that we got this win, we know that everything is possible.”