BIG RAPIDS – Emily Waltz recorded a hat trick to lead Big Rapids (5-0-0, 8-4-1) to a win over Grant (2-2-0, 2-6-0) in Central State Activities Association Blue Division action Wednesday.
The game ended early due to the mercy rule just 6:22 into the second half, following Nalya Fricke’s second goal of the match. Waltz finished with three goals and two assists. Madison Vennix added two goals, and Nuray Fricke scored once.
“Grant was a very physical team and a decent one. I thought they played fairly well. We started a little slow,” Big Rapids coach Curt Ray said. “We tried to play balls forward, but it was a wet, grassy field. It was our first time playing on the football stadium.
“The field was slick and the ball was sliding. The kids struggled a bit early, but we found our pace and started connecting passes. Emily Waltz, who had been struggling earlier in the season, has really found herself. She played great.”
Big Rapids held a 29-5 advantage in shots and a 17-1 edge in shots on goal. Oliva Godfrey made one save in goal.
“Our defense held them out,” Ray said. “They didn’t have many opportunities. It was a great team win and a big conference win. We’re still undefeated. It was a total team effort tonight. We’ll regroup and get ready for Monday.”
Big Rapids will host Tri County (3-0-0, 6-2-1) on Monday with first place in the CSAA on the line. Tri County features standout scorer Savannah Thompson, who is reportedly nearing the state’s career scoring record.