St. Vincent soccer collects three shutouts in its first four games

~ The Indians took third place in the Noon Optimist tournament.

St. Vincent's second 1-0 win against Central on Saturday in the third-place game of the Noon Optimist tournament was a repeat of the season-opener for both teams.

It also kept up some trends.

St. Vincent (3-1) posted its third shutout of the season, as goalkeeper Megan Wengert earned credit for her third shutout.

And Central (2-3) was blanked for the third time this season, while it has scored 12 goals in its two wins.

St. Vincent had all the offense Saturday, with freshman Liz Brueckner scoring the goal. She has two goals and one assist this season, while Jessica Welker leads the team with three goals and two assists.

"Liz does a nice job, being only a freshman," St. Vincent coach Dustin Wengert said. "We like her speed and quickness. ... We didn't know what we'd get from her. We knew she was tenacious. She doesn't let anyone bully her off the ball."

St. Vincent overcame a sluggish first half with plenty of offensive activity, as both teams were playing for the third consecutive day.

"We just woke up," Wengert said. "It's hard to come out and have to play three days in a row. You're tired, emotionally drained and physically drained."

The Indians opened the tourney with a win against Poplar Bluff, then lost to eventual tournament champion Marion (Ill.).

Central was playing its fifth game in six days since the spring sports season opened March 19. The Tigers return to action Tuesday, hosting rival Jackson.

"If they weren't in shape before this [week], they're in shape now," Central coach Tom Doyle said of his players.

OTHER EVENTS

• Jake Conklin went 3-for-3 and knocked in three runs as the Central junior varsity team defeated Poplar Bluff 11-7 on Saturday. Corey Simmons picked up the win for Central.