Pulaski girls soccer team wins regional title

The Pulaski High School girls soccer team won a Division 2 regional title after winning a pair of matches last week.

The third-seeded Red Raiders opened the postseason with a convincing 9-1 win over 14th-seeded Beaver Dam in a regional semifinal on May 30 in Pulaski. Pulaski then took down sixth-seeded Slinger by a score of 3-1 in the regional final on June 3 in Pulaski.

“Winning the regional plaque is nothing less than special,” said Veronica Decker. “Tonight we were able to show who Pulaski is and what we are capable of. It is an extremely special feeling to represent our hometown, and it is exciting to be able to move forward in the tournament. It is an honor to play for such an amazing team filled with amazing people.

“Most importantly though, it is an honor to play with our seniors. They have given so much to the Pulaski girls soccer program these past four years. Having the opportunity to continue to play alongside these seniors is what makes this regional title so special.”

Decker played a big role in Pulaski’s two regional wins.

In the win over Beaver Dam, Decker scored three goals and assisted on two others. She added a goal in the victory over Slinger.

Decker credited her teammates first and foremost for the individual success she had in the two regional games.

“We continuously push each other to be better and to work harder,” said Decker. “We are strongest together. Every tackle, first touch, pass, cross, and every 50/50 win creates opportunities for one another to be successful.”

Decker added that her offseason work played a role in her success, along with the “soccer culture” Pulaski has created. “We have built a solid foundation. We trust each other, support one another, celebrate our highs, and lift each other up at our lows. We are more than teammates, we are family.”

Along with Decker’s monster match, Ellie Mangold also turned in a strong showing against Beaver Dam, scoring two goals.

Gianna Logue, Josie Steeno, Elizabeth Dornfeld and Tyranie Gerbers scored once each for the Red Raiders. Brianna Kapla got credit for two assists. Steeno, Lydia Pratt and Laci Lemke had one assist each.

“Some things I think our team did well this week to find success is what we really emphasize — that it was gonna take a team to win both games,” said Logue. “With that it will take all 11 players on the field but also everyone else and supporting roles.”

Logue scored another goal against Slinger, doing so on a direct kick. Kayla Zorn scored the team’s other goal.

“It is super special winning another regional final my senior year, especially being able to play with my sister (Isabella),” said Gianna Logue. “I hope to continue this as long as possible.”

Pulaski will continue postseason play on June 8, hitting the road to face second-seeded West De Pere at 5 p.m. in De Pere. West De Pere was one of just three teams to beat Pulaski this season, a 2-0 finish in a match way back on April 14.

Shawano’s girls soccer team had its season come to a close after an 8-0 loss to fourth-seeded Nicolet in a regional semifinal match on May 30 in Milwaukee.

Brynlie Boyles made 18 saves in the first half while defending the net for No. 13 Shawano. Makayla Aerts stopped three shots in her time at goalie.

Shawano capped the season with a 7-12 overall record.

sports@newmedia-wi.com