Raiders Win Three Games and Lead Capitol Conference

A busy week of soccer for the Raiders included winning three games, two of which were conference battles, scoring 19 goals while holding their opponents to single goal, and securing two shutouts.
With a record of 16 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie, the Raiders retain their #4 ranking in the state and are leading the Capitol Conference.
In the first match of the week, the Raiders traveled to Edgerton for a non-conference game. After a dormant start to the game, the Raiders found their rhythm and the scoring began.
Players at every position focused on supporting the offense and capitalizing on scoring chances. Netting two goals for the Raider offense were Brooke Larson, Vanessa Narveson, Esther Noriega and Nicole Sanders, while Taylor Legler and Aimee Sies each added a goal. The game was called shortly after the second half began due to the Mercy Rule. Final: Sugar River 10, Edgerton 0.
The next day the Raiders hosted Capitol Conference opponent Cambridge-Deerfield in a home game held in New Glarus. Team effort was undeniable as the Raiders maintained a strong, controlled passing game. Junior Brooke Larson started the scoring for the night, as well as securing the final goal, accounting for her two goals for the night. Hannah Donlin and Vanessa Narveson also scored for the Raiders as the midfielders and defense continued to feed balls through to the front.
Goal keeper Paige Natzke and the defense, consisting of Jackie Burgess, Hannah Jones, Abbi Lahey, Alex Nealis and Jamie Ott, held Cambridge Deerfield scoreless and recorded their 10th shut-out of the season. Final: Sugar River 4, Cambridge Deerfield 0.
In the final game of the week, the Raiders traveled to Watertown to take on Capitol Conference opponent Luther Prep. For the first 20 minutes of the game, the Raiders controlled the ball and the game but could not find the net despite numerous shots on goal.
Vanessa Narveson, leading the Raiders with 24 goals scored for the season, found the net twice to start the offensive pressure. Hannah Donlin, Abbi Lahey and Brooke Larson also netted scores for the Raiders. Final: Sugar River 5, Luther Prep 1.
On Thursday, May 28, with JV action starting at 5:00 p.m., and Varsity to follow at 7:00 p.m., the Raiders will be heading into the most important Conference match of the season when they host the Lodi Blue Devils in Belleville.
The game will determine who wins the Capitol Conference Crown and will honor the 13 senior players and managers for their contributions to the Raider soccer program.