Western skewers Walled Lake rivals, nabs division lead

Walled Lake Western defeated its rival Walled Lake schools this past week to jump out to a commanding early-season lead in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association North Division.

Western (5-1, 3-0, 9 points, KLAA North) began the week with a key 5-2 win on the road at Walled Lake Northern on Wednesday, April 20.

Rachel Shuman scored Western’s first goal before Ashley Donohue scored to tie the score at 1 for Northern (1-1-1, 1-1, 3 points)

Shuman scored again to give Western a 2-1 lead before Sara Schmidt tied the game for Northern at 2.

Western then picked up three unanswered goals Jenny Shaba, Ana Trivax and Rachel Good.

“It was a hard-fought match back and forth and we never stopped playing. In a city rival game like this, there’s a lot of emotions running through players’ heads,” Western Head Coach Mario Munoz said.

“I’m very impressed with not only our play but our composure and mental toughness throughout the game.”

Western had little time to celebrate as it traveled to Walled Lake Central on Thursday, April 21, but came out on top over the Vikings, 3-2.

Kara Birrell scored for Central in the first half to give the Vikings a 1-0 halftime lead.

However, Western responded in the second half as Shaba scored to tie the game at 1. Alivia Kempster then scored unassisted to give Western a 2-1 lead before Shuman scored Western’s third goal off an assist from Kempster.

Melissa Seymour scored Central’s second goal to keep things close, but it was as close as Central (0-2-2, 0-1-2, 2 points) would come.

“It’s a lot to ask your players to play back-to-back games, especially ones that are against your city rivals and trophies,” Munoz said.

“I’m very pleased with the way our team fought back from a 1-0 deficit in the first half and opened the game up in the second half. We really spread the ball around well and managed to wear down their defenders.

“When you have players like Jenny Shaba, Rachel Shuman and Alivia Kempster it makes your job that much easier.”

Western hosted Waterford Mott yesterday, Tuesday, April 26 after press time and will play at Farmington Hills Harrison on Friday, April 29 and host Huron Valley Lakeland on Monday, May 2.