Warlassies stumble on Senior Night

Owen falls to Madison, 2-1, in conference clash

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 10, 2022

A series of emotional ups and downs highlighted the evening in Warhorse Stadium, May 9, as the Warlassies hosted the Madison Patriots on Senior Night.

Four Owen seniors — Chloe Leboeuf, Mattie Lehman, Kate Anderson and Addie King — were escorted by family and friends to midfield, where they received a warm ovation from fans, teammates and coaches, moments before a match that would decide the top spot in the Western Highlands Conference.

The showdown between the 9-5-1 Warlassies and 15-2-1 Patriots was tightly contested throughout.

While Madison would ultimately clinch its second straight conference title with a 2-1 victory over the Warlassies, both teams controlled the ball evenly in the first half, while neither allowed a goal.

The Patriots tested Owen in the opening minutes of the second half, but the quick reaction of goalkeeper Allison Little prevented a shot from the corner, and a subsequent shot on the rebound, from finding the net. Abby Reitzel, Kaylee Allison and Lehman combined for a flurry of shots on goal midway through the second half, before a free kick by Olivia Kadans at the 12:50 mark gave the Warlassies a 1-0 advantage.

The Patriots responded minutes later, with a free kick of their own, after Little made contact with an opposing player while making an aggressive play on a breakaway attempt. Another successful penalty kick at the 8:54 mark would give Madison its second win over the Warlassies this year.

Warlassies head coach David Fiest expressed appreciation for his team’s seniors after the game.

“Thank you to all the seniors and their families for all the time, support and dedication throughout your careers here at Owen,” he said. “Each one of you have left a mark on this program that will not be forgotten. We wish you the very best as you move forward in life.”

Owen, which remains second in the WHC with the loss, will close out its regular season when it hosts Polk at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 11.

Photos of Senior Night can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.