Hun wins MCT play-in game

PRINCETON >> After a tough start to the season, Catherine Argiriou hopes this win can be the catalyst for more of the same.

Hun has played well and despite the struggles the Raiders stayed positive and reaped the rewards in the Mercer County Tournament.

Behind some excellent first half play on penalty corners, No. 15 Hun blanked No. 18 Ewing, 4-0, on a chilly Tuesday on the Raiders turf in an MCT play-in game.

The win sends the Raiders (1-8) to the first round where they will face No. 2 Lawrence on Friday at 4 p.m. in Lawrence. The two met earlier this season and the Cardinals claimed a 6-0 win.

Argiriou, one of the few seniors on the young Raiders, scored on one of those well executed corners. She hopes the offensive output can be the lift they have been looking for.

“This was exciting,’’ Argiriou said of the win. “We played really well. We didn’t have the best start to the season and we were really energized for this game. I’m really proud of everyone. This is a game that will definitely lift the team’s spirit.’’

Both Hun and the Blue Devils (0-11) are young teams and are going through the transition to a new coach, but in spite of their struggles they both have plenty of reason for some pride as they have continued to play hard through the tough times.

“We are making progress,’’ said Ewing coach Lauren Davis. “We always work on our small victories. We wanted to work on our passing, getting two together and then being able to go to three.’’

One of the small victories for the Blue Devils was holding the Raiders scoreless in the second half behind the defense of Rachel Messina, Shontice Hendryx, Sarah Ilesanmi and goalie Maureen Lepold.

The damage was done earlier by the Raiders, though.

Besides Argiriou, Hun got goals from Emily Albanese, Ashley Jones and Nicole Schaefer. Albanese had an assist to go with her goal.

“It’s always nice to get that first win,’’ said Hun first-year coach Tracey Arndt. “When you haven’t gotten that first win the season gets long. But, the girls have stayed positive and I really appreciate that. Every practice we are just focusing on growth. We were excited to see multiple people finish.’’

Jones got the scoring started and then Argiriou connected on her first goal of the season on a corner off a pass from Albanese.

“I was able to deflect the ball in on the corner,’’ Argiriou said of her goal. “We have been working on that in practice, and to actually do it in a game is exciting.’’

The Raiders were able to do a few things on offense that were exciting and hopefully will bode well the rest of the season.

“The last several games we have played a lot of defense,’’ said Arndt. “It was nice to see the forwards find some running lanes, cutting and finishing. It was nice to sit back and see some of the fruits of their labor translate to the game.’’

A game Argiriou and the Raiders hope is just a start. Ewing (0-11) 0 0 – 0

Hun (1-8) 4 0 – 4

Goals: H: Jones, Argiriou, Albanese, Schaefer.

Assists: H: Albanese

Shots: E: 2, H: 7. Saves: E: Lepold 3, H: Thomas 2.