Hartland Blanks Pinckney to Secure Spot in District Finals

The Hartland High School girls soccer team defense stood tall for the second game in a row to advance to the district finals by defeating division rival Pinckney 2-0 on a blustery Wednesday afternoon in Howell.

Outshot 11-8 in the game, Hartland (14-2-3) shutdown Pinckney's (7-5-3) offense and survived a free kick late in the second half that sailed over the crossbar to maintain a two-goal lead.

"I am so proud of my team, they work their tails off back there, sprinting after every ball," said senior captain Hailey Pleshakov. "This is the first time we have played our way through to the district championships. Last year, we had a bye."

Hartland head coach Andrew Kartsounes said the Eagle defense has been key this year. The team has only allowed two goals the past 11 games, and eight goals the entire season.

"About midway through the season we just got it organized, our defensive back three (seniors Courtney Meyer and Taylor Jane, junior Alexis Fiebernitz) is so important to this team," said Kartsounes. "They really are tough to break down."

The strong winds also proved a challenge for both teams.

"The wind was definitely a factor today, it was taking the ball all over the place,"  Kartsounes said. "You noticed both goalkeepers having trouble clearing the ball all game long."

The Eagles seized the lead when junior Jessica Bentley headed in a corner kick from sophomore Rachel Washburn in the first half. Sophomore Michelle Rollins, coming off a four-goal performance Tuesday night against Milford, added another goal to her total about midway through the second half with an easy tip-in goal.

Hartland now will face the winner between Lansing Everett and Okemos on Thursday night at Parker Stadium in Howell. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Pleshakov, who was also a member of the girls basketball team that won districts earlier this year, hopes she can help the soccer team can equal that feat. Hartland hasn't won a district title since 2001.

"It feels amazing. I have never wanted something more, especially since soccer is my favorite sport," said Pleshakov, who will be playing soccer for Miami University (Ohio) next year. "I just hope we play the same tomorrow as we did today."