Schaafsma scores eight goals during recent four-game period.
By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
While the Timothy Christian girls soccer team does not have the wins to show for it, coach Jon Hamelinck is seeing his team turn the corner in a number of areas.
In recent action, the Trojans lost 2-1 to St. Edward, 4-3 to Hinckley Big Rock and 3-1 to Elmwood Park.
On the individual front, Maddie Schaffsma scored eight goals during a recent four-game stretch.
“Our defensive coverage has improved dramatically from our first game,” said Hamelinck. “There were a lot of lessons learned in the early part of our season, but the team has made great strides since our spring break and we’re getting closer to playing the way we are capable of. We started out rough in terms of limiting shots against and keeping teams to the outside. We allowed entry into the 18 far too easily. The girls are doing a better job of staying connected on the back end and playing more efficiently in the defensive third.”
Hamelinck lauded the efforts of goalie Shayna Smits. “Shayna has been solid in goal and has provided stability every game,” he said.
Hamelinck noted the team continues to work on its offensive game. “We got a couple girls back from injury the past couple of days and that has changed our dynamic up top quite a bit,” he said. “They are still figuring out how to play together, but there is potential there.”
In addition to scoring those eight goals in a four-game stretch, Schaffsma registered two assists in a recent four-game stretch as well. Hamelinck also has been pleased with the play of Danielle Beard and Heather Kocol.
“Danielle has returned to the lineup and has provided a spark with her hustle and game knowledge,” he said. “Heather has been battling an injury and playing big minutes as a central defender. We are a different team with her in the lineup.”
Hamelinck likes the direction the team is headed with the home stretch of the season quickly approaching. “The girls continue to show up to games ready to play with a belief they have the ability to win every game if they play the right way,” he said. “Our record (1-7, 1-1 Metro Suburban Conference Red Division) isn’t a good reflection of the progress we’ve made. Our first couple games of the season were a wakeup call, but we’ve made some great progress lately. We have to continue to work hard at getting better every day and the results will follow.”
