PSJ girls go 1-1-1 for the week

The Port St. Joe girls soccer team had a busy week, recording a win, a loss and a tie. 

The Tiger Sharks traveled to Panama City on Friday, Dec. 3 to face one of their toughest challenges in the North Bay Haven Buccaneers, “a team we have yet to beat over the years,” said Shark coach Justin Gerlach. 

Seniors London White and Madelyn Gortemoller each scored, with senior Rebecca Maddox earning assists on both goals. Senior Megan Saleh defended the goal well with 16 saves, but gave up two scores to Emma Smith, and one to Bayleigh Pitts, as the Sharks fell 3-2. 

After the loss, St. Joe fell to 1-3-1 while the Lady Buccaneers improved to 4-0-2. 

The Tiger Sharks hosted Wakulla on Tuesday, Dec. 7, and fought their way to a 3-3 tie against the War Eagles, now 3-1-1. 

Down 3-2 in the second half, Maddox notched the tying goal with less than 20 minutes left in the game. 

“We went down early and had to battle back,” said Gerlach. “We had the momentum after (the tying goal), but just couldn’t get another goal to fall (against) a very tough and challenging opponent.” 

Earlier in the game, Gortemoller and White had scored to keep the match close. Maddox earned an assist on one of those scores. Although victimized by three War Eagle goals, Saleh, also a senior, had more than 20 saves in the net. 

On Friday, Dec. 10, the Sharks enjoyed their visit to Freeport, coming home with a decisive 6-0 win against the Bulldogs. 

Although “an ugly win for us,” said Gerlach, “we figured out a way to score a few goals.” 

Gortemoller and Maddox each booted three into the net, with Maddox assisting on Gortemoller’s scores. Eighth grader Anderson Hodges recorded an assist as well. 

Saleh again proved her worth in goal, earning 14 saves in helping St. Joe improve to 2-3-2 on the season. Freeport fell to 4-3-1 with the loss. 

Here is a look at the next Tiger Sharks opponents: 

• Monday, Dec. 13, at Bozeman against the 2-4-1 Bucks. Game time is 5 p.m. 
• Wednesday, Dec. 15, at Franklin County against the winless Seahawks (0-6), game time 5 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 17, at Marianna against the 5-4 Bulldogs at 7 p.m.