Clearview girls shut out Highland

It was a defensive game, with most of the action in the midfield, with few scoring opportunities.

But there was a moment when everything clicked into place for the Clearview girls' soccer team.

That was early in the second half, when Nicole Zammarrelli converted Staci Clendening's corner kick into a picturesque goal.

"It's always nice when the smallest girl on the team steps up and scores on a head ball," Clearview coach Dan Matozzo said after the Pioneers' 2-0 victory over Highland in a Tri-County Conference Royal Division game.

Zammarrelli, a senior forward, and Lauren Rothstein, a junior forward, scored goals for Clearview (3-1, 3-0), which has won three in a row.

But the key for the Pioneers was the play of senior defenders Clendening and Kelley Hardesty as well as senior midfielder Gina Thomas, who assisted on Rothstein's goal.

"We try to keep it together back there," Hardesty said of the Pioneers' tight defensive play. "We're like a little family back there."

Highland (3-3, 2-2) received a strong game from goalie Michelle Marino, who made eight saves. Usually a forward, Marino was in net because of an injury to Highland goalie Courtney Scharinger.

"Our goalie was phenomenal," Highland coach Tiffany Strauss said. "Our defense was strong. We just didn't have many opportunities."

Neither team generated much offense, although Clearview had the better of the play in the first half.

The Pioneers took a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute when Thomas feathered a nice pass to Rothstein, who scored from around 10 yards away.

But the offensive highlight for the Pioneers was Zammarrelli's goal in the 55th minute off Clendening's perfect corner.

Zammarrelli found an opening in the crowd in front of the Highland goal, rose up, and flicked a header into the back of the net.

"I hit it as hard as I could, just like I always do," Clendening said. "I love it when someone scores off one."

Highland   0 0 – 0

Clearview   1 1 – 2

Goals: C-Lauren Rothstein, Nicole Zammarrelli.

Saves: H-Michelle Marino 8; C-Dominique Dorris 1.