Group effort helps Carmel top Prairie Ridge

Carmel Catholic's girls soccer team found several ways to get its kicks in a season-opening win Monday.

Megan Runyan scored once and assisted on two more in leading the Corsairs. Amanda Lasso netted 2 goals, and Angela Salvi and McKenzie Runyan had the others as Carmel Catholic rolled past Prairie Ridge 5-1 in the opener of the Carmel quad.

Lake Forest won the other game, topping Hersey 2-0.

"Always nice to start with a win," Carmel Catholic coach John Halloran said. "Once we calmed down a little bit, we started connecting some passes. We were really anxious, and maybe that was first-game nerves. We were trying to play at 100 mph instead of relaxing and letting the game to us.

"We did convert our deadballs well. But we still need to sort a few things defensively. It was definitely a good start."

Megan Runyan showcased her ability on corner kicks, which led to 3 of the Corsairs' goals.

"I just practice the corners daily," Megan Runyan said. "My goal really is to get it in the six, so players can run on to it."

Runyan thinks steady scoring is a realistic expectation for her team.

"We have great potential and work well as a team," Megan Runyan said. "At practices you can see the dedication in everyone."

On Monday, Salvi started the scoring for the Corsairs, working her way through a couple of Wolves defenders before finding an upper corner for a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute.

Carmel struck twice off corner kicks in a matter of a few minutes late in the first half.

Megan Runyan sent the first one in front of the goal. Kayla Handel got a touch on it around the 6-yard line, and McKenzie Runyan finished it at the back post in the 35th minute.

A few minutes later, Megan Runyan delivered a corner that went off a head of a Prairie Ridge defender and into the goal for the 3-0 Carmel advantage.

Prairie Ridge got its first goal in the 53rd minute of play. Jessica Dwyer served a high kick to the far post, and Arielis Reyes knocked in the ball to make it 3-1.

Amanda Lasso contributed with two late goals, one in the 75th minute and the other in the final minute off a corner kick from Megan Runyan.

"We use this tournament to find out where were at, and we're trying different formations," Prairie Ridge coach JC Brown said. "We found out that we've got to be at a different level with our conditioning. (Carmel) won every single ball whether it was on the ground or in the air. Props to (Carmel) - they were in shape and ready to go."

In the other match, the reigning Class 2A state champion Lake Forest got goals from Kylie Murray and Sheridan Bufe to get past Hersey.

"I was surprised that we executed very well," Lake Forest coach Ty Stuckslager said. "It didn't seem like a first game at all."

Hersey had its chances but couldn't get a goal in the opening game of the season.

"We really haven't figured our front as of yet," Hersey coach Darren Llwellyn said. "We had some chances, but Lake Forest was very aggressive. They were very physical and their first touch was pretty pure. We were late to the ball."

Tuesday's games in the quad are Lake Forest vs. Carmel at 5:15 p.m. and Prairie Ridge against Hersey at 6:45 p.m.