Apr. 19—DICKINSON — The Dickinson Midgets encountered their fourth defeat on Thursday, but amid the 6-1 loss, a ray of hope emerged. The Midgets found solace in the determined attack of forward Ashlyn Wardell, generating a flurry of offensive opportunities as they secured their first goal of the season against none other than Bismarck High, the same team they scored first against last year.
Despite the score, the final moments of the game found the Midgets pressing deep into the Demons’ defensive territory, underscoring their desire to compete.
“I think the goal gives us a little bit of hope that we can do better,” noted Wardell. “We continue to improve, and yes, we had a tough start, but we can only get better from here.”
Most of the scoring came in the first half, with Bismarck High claiming an impressive 5-0 lead. Midfielder Addison Massey led the offensive attack, scoring two goals and two assists. Massey’s deft ball control and dribbling ability saw her bypass Dickinson defenders, securing consecutive goals from close range and earning praise from spectators for her finesse.
Despite the relentless pressure, Midgets goalkeeper Adrianna Cox showed her resilience, racking up eight saves and thwarting several corners throughout the match.
Although possession of the ball was not the main problem for the Midgets, maintaining it proved to be a challenge amid gaps in passing accuracy and urgency. Isabella McLaughlin emerged as a key playmaker, showing her speed and tenacity on the flanks, and was instrumental in setting up Wardell’s goal.
McLaughlin sent a pass to the left side of the box, allowing Wardell to get past his defender and shoot.
McLaughlin’s injury in the latter stages of the game served as a rallying point for the Midgets, who continued their attacking efforts. Despite only registering three shots on goal, the Midgets left the game encouraged, fueled by the prospect of future victories and a collective aspiration for greater success.
