This story is sponsored by Dental Clinic of Marshfield
By Paul Lecker
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
MARSHFIELD – Mardie Shanahan made the most of her Marshfield girls soccer debut.
The former Marshfield Columbus Catholic player scored a pair of goals, including the go-ahead shot midway through the second half, to lift Marshfield to a 3-1 win over Tomah in a nonconference game Friday at Griese Park. It was the season-opener for both teams.
Shanahan, a senior forward, scored at the 31:45 mark of the first half. Tomah tied the game 3:19 into the second half before Shanahan added another goal at the 61:02 mark to give the Tigers the lead for good.
Darian Molter, who assisted on Shanahan’s first goal, converted a penalty kick at 67:57 to provide the Tigers with a two-goal cushion.
“It was definitely a team effort,” Shanahan said. “It was an awesome start to the season.
“We’ve been working really hard the last two weeks of practice and it definitely paid off.”
Tomah managed only one shot on goal, and converted it, when Jessica Volmer scored following a corner kick and a scrum in front of the goal.
Shanahan’s second goal came after Emily Wolfe hit the post with a shot, which bounced straight back to Shanahan standing in front of the goal.
“We made a lot of runs on top and worked really well together,” Molter said. “Last year we had a good season and I think this year we can only get better. We have a lot chemistry with this team and I know we’re working for first in conference, so we just have to keep working at it.”
Marshfield controlled the pace most of the game and finished with eight shots on goal, five of which were saved by Tomah goalie Sierra Butzler.
“It’s nice to get the first game out of the way and work on some things,” Marshfield coach Steve Lindner said. “We saw some strengths that came out. Mardie Shanahan had an outstanding game. She’s going to be a great addition upfront with Allison (Gruen), Emily (Brix) and Darian to make a really solid front four.”
Marshfield will be back in action with Wisconsin Valley Conference games at home against Wausau West on April 10 and Wausau East on April 12.
Tigers 3, Timberwolves 1
Tomah 0 1 – 1
Marshfield 1 2 – 3
First half: 1. M, Mardie Shanahan (Darian Molter), 31:45.
Second half: 2. T, Jessica Volmer, 43:19; 3. M, Shanahan, 61:02; 4. M, Molter (pk), 67:57.
Saves: T, Sierra Butzler 5, Madison McCarthy 0. M, Jala Zahn 0; RaeAnn Hovendick 0.
Records: Tomah 0-1; Marshfield 1-0.