CHESTERTON | On Senior Day, the Times No. 1 Chesterton Trojans were looking to claim at least a share of the Duneland Athletic Conference title against a LaPorte club that had just one win in league play.
It was harder than one might've expected.
In a hard-fought match Tuesday night, the Trojans managed to fend off the Slicers 2-0.
"We didn't play our best tonight, and we're very fortunate to be undefeated (in the conference)," Trojan coach David Galloway said. "These are a special group of seniors, and they can play against anybody."
A victory at Michigan City next week would give Chesterton (13-1-1, 6-0) a perfect season in the Duneland. Only Crown Point, which has one loss in the DAC, can catch the Trojans.
Senior Stephanie Fisher put the Trojans up 1-0 in the 25th minute of the match.
The Slicers had opportunities to score in the first half, but Trojan goalkeeper Carly Furto made two saves that prevented the Slicers from answering.
It was a defensive battle throughout the end of the second half until Trojan freshman Bridget Brendza added a goal that slipped past Slicer goal keeper Holly Buresh. It was Brendza's first varsity goal of the season.
"It was good experience, and I feel more confident to score more," Brendza said.
The loss dropped LaPorte to 4-8-2 on the year, 1-5 in conference play.
"We're coming together as a team and peaking in our own way," Slicer coach Bryan Murray said. "This game was a test for us. It's hard to find a better team (than Chesterton) in the conference."
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