Skyhawks get Power to knock off Cardinals
Cardinal Newman 1
Hammond 2
Photos and Story
By Mike Maddock
Mike@TheColumbiaStar.com

Hammond's (l-r) Russ Grosslight, Tradd Lovern, Stiles Harper, Braeden Troyer, Harry Tomlinson, Brad Meredith, and Justin Holladay form a wall to block the incoming penalty kick from Cardinal Newman's David Allen. It didn't work. Allen scored Cardinal Newman's only goal.

Hammond's Ross Power returned to goalkeeper for the first time since pre- season and racked up 15 saves to help the Skyhawks knock off the Cardinal Newman Cardinals 2- 1 at Hammond Tuesday, April 17.

The win was huge for the Skyhawks in several ways. It improves their region record to 5- 2 and keeps them on pace with the Ben Lippen Falcons and in reach of Cardinal Newman. It also marks the second win in a row in which the Skyhawks broke long losing streaks. First came the upset of the Falcons April 10, then came this monumental victory over the Cardinals. The last time the Skyhawks defeated one of those teams, let alone both of them in one season, most of the team's current players were in kindergarten.

Earlier this season the Skyhawks lost to Cardinal Newman on penalty kicks, and surrendered a late 2- 1 lead to the Falcons eventually losing 5- 2. Since that collapse at Ben Lippen, the Skyhawks have won seven and lost only two to top ranked Lexington and Porter- Gaud.

Hammond's Justin Holladay and Cardinal Newman's Giacomo Ray battle for a header.

Hammond head coach Adrian Pinasco could hardly contain his excitement after the win and said, "We kept getting the short end of the stick, and now I'm just really happy for our team because they work super hard. They worked super hard to try to change the course of this season. They deserve this win. They deserve it."

Hammond's Harry Tomlinson opened the scoring in the first half with a penalty kick. Cardinal Newman's David Allen answered that score a little over six minutes into the second half with a penalty kick of his own that sailed just out of the reach of Power. With nine minutes remaining in the match, Hammond's Daniel Baker launched a pass from near midfield that found Stiles Harper in front of the goal for a header and the game winning score.

Hammond goalkeeper Ross Power punts the ball downfield. Power returned from a broken arm for the first time this season. Hammond coach Adrian Pinasco said Ross made the difference evidenced by his 15 saves.

Cardinal Newman: Goals: David Allen; Saves: Brian Elfring (7)

Hammond: Goals: Harry Tomlinson, Stiles Harper; Saves: Ross Power (15)