Blue Jays tally four goals in tie with Central

• Chase

Jamestown’s Megan Kapp (14) controls the ball while being chased by Grand Forks Central’s Heather Novak during Saturday’s match at Rotary Field. (John M. Steiner/The Sun)

Talk about it

The first goals of the season came in bunches for the Blue Jays.

Abby Wanzek recorded a hat trick and Riley Spenningsby also scored on Saturday as Jamestown and Grand Forks played to a 4-all tie at Rotary Field.

It was also a case, however, of one that got away as the Blue Jays led 4-2 with less than 15 minutes to play, but Central scored twice in the final 12 minute to get a tie.

“We had most of the control in the game, but it seemed like the girls got a little content when we were up 4-2,” coach Ryan Kleinknecht said. “There were a lot of positives in the game up until that point, though.”

Most notably the goals, which were their first of the season.

“The girls worked hard for every one of those goals,” Kleinknecht said. “Hopefully it’s something that lifts the team and we can build off that.”

The Knights took advantage of a sluggish start and scored two minutes in, but Wanzek netted the first of her three scores just two minutes later.

“Abby played great. She worked very hard and earned those goals,” Kleinknecht said.

Goals came fast and furious in the first 14 minutes, the last of which tied it at 2-2 as Wanzek scored on an assist from Lexi Kleven.

Five minutes before halftime Wanzek completed the hat trick with an assist to Megan Kapp.

Riley Spenningsby made it 4-2 Blue Jays on a PK 11 minutes into the second half.

“Riley played great. She got the goal, which was big, but she played in the midfield and as a key to the defense,” Kleinknecht said.

It was still 4-2 until Krystal Bela scored twice in the final 12 minutes, the first in the 68th minute and the equalizer with three minutes left.

Carissa Finck finished with eight saves, while Central’s Tina Schafer stopped five, but let in four.

The Blue Jays are back on the road Tuesday against Bismarck High at the Bowl.

“They’re another good team and it will be a big challenge for us,” Kleinknecht said.

Jamestown 4, Grand Forks Central 4

GF Central 2 2 — 4

Jamestown 3 1 — 4

First half

1, GFC, Haylee Novak (Krystal Bela) 2:00; 2, JHS, Abby Wanzek 4:00; 3, GFC, Novak (Sophie Woinarowicz) 7:00; 4, JHS, Wanzek (Lexi Kleven) 14:00; 5, JHS, Wanzek (Megan Kapp) 35:00.

Second half

6, JHS, Riley Spenningsby, PK, 51:00; 7, GFC, Bela (Novak) 68:00; 8. GFC, Bela, 77:00.

Goalie saves: GFC: Tina Shafer 5. JHS, Carissa Finck 8.

Sun sports editor Dave Selvig can be reached at (701) 952-8460 or by e-mail at daves@jamestownsun.com

Tags: soccer, sports, jays, prep