10/16/18 - Ladycats Soccer @ Batavia Sectional Tournament
The Blanchester Ladycats lost to Batavia on Tuesday night by a score of 2-0, ending their season. Although shutout, Blanchester looked lively throughout the game and found quality chances at goal, but were unable to convert. Batavia scored both goals in the first half, one from a corner kick in the 15th minute, and another in the 32nd minute from a defensive miscue. Blan came out in the second half with more purpose offensively, and just missed out on a scoring chance one on one with the keeper as the ball slide just wide. Emily Hinkle and Savanna Shank teamed up to put pressure on the Batavia defense, and Olivia Gundler, Bri Haun, and Sally Schafer played great defensively for the Cats. Regan Ostermeier had 19 saves in goal for Blan, who end the season with a 6-8-3 record on the year. - Coach K Ballinger
The Blanchester Ladycats lost to Batavia on Tuesday night by a score of 2-0, ending their season. Although shutout, Blanchester looked lively throughout the game and found quality chances at goal, but were unable to convert. Batavia scored both goals in the first half, one from a corner kick in the 15th minute, and another in the 32nd minute from a defensive miscue. Blan came out in the second half with more purpose offensively, and just missed out on a scoring chance one on one with the keeper as the ball slide just wide. Emily Hinkle and Savanna Shank teamed up to put pressure on the Batavia defense, and Olivia Gundler, Bri Haun, and Sally Schafer played great defensively for the Cats. Regan Ostermeier had 19 saves in goal for Blan, who end the season with a 6-8-3 record on the year. - Coach K Ballinger
10/13/18 - Girls soccer @ Taylor
The Blanchester Ladycats clawed back from a 1-0 halftime deficit to tie Taylor 1-1 on Saturday afternoon. Blan used a combination of staunch team defending, dominant goalie play from Regan Ostermeier, and moment of brilliance from the foot of Emily Hinkle to claw back into the game. The first half saw Taylor hold a majority of possession, but timely interventions from Blan defenders Olivia Gundler, Sally Schafer, Bri Haun and Lacie Tedrick helped limit the most dangerous chances, and Ostermeier made 13 big saves while commanding the defense. Blan only registered two shots on goal, but soaked up the pressure well. With 6 minutes remaining in the half, however, Taylor broke the deadlock by sending a through ball that split the defense, leading to a 1 v 1 on goal that was converted, making the score 1-0 going into the half. The Ladycats showed their resilience in the second half, showing more willingness to win 50-50 balls, which ultimately led to leveling up the game. Seven minutes into the half, Lana Roy drew a foul in the attacking third by racing to the ball first, giving Emily Hinkle a chance at a 25 yard free kick. Hinkle hit the free kick pure, sending the ball to the back post over the Taylor keeper, putting her season total to 19, and 3rd goal from a free kick. The goal gave Blan a boost, and things got interesting over the next 20 minutes as both teams pushed for a win. During the final 10 minutes, Blan held on for dear life as Taylor peppered the goal with attack after attack, but to no avail. Haun had a crucial goal line clearance to preserve the tie, and Ostermeier ended her standout game with 25 saves. Savanna Shank was tireless for Blan in the midfield, as was Olivia Gundler defensively, who played after placing first in the SBAAC National Divison in the cross country league meet earlier in the morning. Blan finishes the season at 6-7-3 and takes on Batavia in tournament play on Tuesday. - Coach Kurt Ballinger
The Blanchester Ladycats clawed back from a 1-0 halftime deficit to tie Taylor 1-1 on Saturday afternoon. Blan used a combination of staunch team defending, dominant goalie play from Regan Ostermeier, and moment of brilliance from the foot of Emily Hinkle to claw back into the game. The first half saw Taylor hold a majority of possession, but timely interventions from Blan defenders Olivia Gundler, Sally Schafer, Bri Haun and Lacie Tedrick helped limit the most dangerous chances, and Ostermeier made 13 big saves while commanding the defense. Blan only registered two shots on goal, but soaked up the pressure well. With 6 minutes remaining in the half, however, Taylor broke the deadlock by sending a through ball that split the defense, leading to a 1 v 1 on goal that was converted, making the score 1-0 going into the half. The Ladycats showed their resilience in the second half, showing more willingness to win 50-50 balls, which ultimately led to leveling up the game. Seven minutes into the half, Lana Roy drew a foul in the attacking third by racing to the ball first, giving Emily Hinkle a chance at a 25 yard free kick. Hinkle hit the free kick pure, sending the ball to the back post over the Taylor keeper, putting her season total to 19, and 3rd goal from a free kick. The goal gave Blan a boost, and things got interesting over the next 20 minutes as both teams pushed for a win. During the final 10 minutes, Blan held on for dear life as Taylor peppered the goal with attack after attack, but to no avail. Haun had a crucial goal line clearance to preserve the tie, and Ostermeier ended her standout game with 25 saves. Savanna Shank was tireless for Blan in the midfield, as was Olivia Gundler defensively, who played after placing first in the SBAAC National Divison in the cross country league meet earlier in the morning. Blan finishes the season at 6-7-3 and takes on Batavia in tournament play on Tuesday. - Coach Kurt Ballinger
10/11/18 - Girls soccer HOME vs Williamsburg
The Blanchester Lady Wildcats soccer team celebrated Senior Night on Thursday and held a ceremony at the end of the game to honor their outgoing players. Seniors Emily Hinkle, Olivia Gundler, Lili Morlan, Regan Ostermeier, Sally Schafer, Savanna Shank, and Bri Wilson were recognized for their hard work over the years, and all played well for the Ladycats against Williamsburg, despite losing 2-0. The first half was an open game, with both teams getting chances at goal in a see-saw style of play. Blan put 7 shots on goal, but could not find the breakthrough goal. Williamsburg finally broke the deadlock with only 4 minutes left in the half, hitting a wonderstrike from about 20 yards out and near the end line from an angle that needed to be perfect, and it was as it just snuck in the top corner. Coming out of the half 1-0, Williamsburg had renewed confidence and put loads of pressure on Blan in the second half. Regan Ostermeier came up big in her final home match, notching 17 saves, several of the highest quality that would have been sure goals. Williamsburg added their second with about 15 minutes remaining to secure the game. Coach Ballinger commented, “Our program is extremely appreciative of the hard work these girls have put into the program for four years. All of them have played pivotal and demanding roles on our team for many years, and we will miss their skill, leadership, and personalities and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.” Blan moves to 6-7-2 on the season and take on Taylor on Saturday.
The Blanchester Lady Wildcats soccer team celebrated Senior Night on Thursday and held a ceremony at the end of the game to honor their outgoing players. Seniors Emily Hinkle, Olivia Gundler, Lili Morlan, Regan Ostermeier, Sally Schafer, Savanna Shank, and Bri Wilson were recognized for their hard work over the years, and all played well for the Ladycats against Williamsburg, despite losing 2-0. The first half was an open game, with both teams getting chances at goal in a see-saw style of play. Blan put 7 shots on goal, but could not find the breakthrough goal. Williamsburg finally broke the deadlock with only 4 minutes left in the half, hitting a wonderstrike from about 20 yards out and near the end line from an angle that needed to be perfect, and it was as it just snuck in the top corner. Coming out of the half 1-0, Williamsburg had renewed confidence and put loads of pressure on Blan in the second half. Regan Ostermeier came up big in her final home match, notching 17 saves, several of the highest quality that would have been sure goals. Williamsburg added their second with about 15 minutes remaining to secure the game. Coach Ballinger commented, “Our program is extremely appreciative of the hard work these girls have put into the program for four years. All of them have played pivotal and demanding roles on our team for many years, and we will miss their skill, leadership, and personalities and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.” Blan moves to 6-7-2 on the season and take on Taylor on Saturday.
10/2/18 - Girls Soccer @ Bethel Tate
Blanchester came away with a tie against Bethel-Tate after a late strike from Emily Hinkle from the penalty spot to put the final score at 1-1. In the first half Bethel came out determined while Blan played flat, and it led to a half of constant pressure on the defense for the Cats. Playing under siege for nearly 40 minutes, the Cats held a bend don’t break style and made it to the half tied at 0, but they did not register a shot on goal themselves. Things opened up for the Cats much more in the second half, but it was Bethel that would find the scoreboard first after Natalie Struve hit a long range chip over keeper Regan Ostermeier after a quick counter. Blan settled in and began forcing the action, registering quality shots on goal and seeing more chances in the final 25 minutes. Senior Emily Hinkle made her impact on the game with fifteen minutes to go when she uncorked a 30 yard strike that struck the crossbar and back into play in the middle of the box. Lana Roy continued her run of gritty play when she was first to the ball, and before she could attempt a putback shot she was taken down from behind, drawing be penalty kick. Hinkle attempted the penalty and used placement over power to find the corner of the goal and tie up the game. Blan came close to a game winner in the waning minutes, but ended with a 1-1 tie. Regan Ostermeier had 12 saves on the night, and Bri Haun had a confident defensive display. Blan moves to 5-6-2 on the season and takes on Fayetteville on Thursday night. -Coach K Ballinger
Blanchester came away with a tie against Bethel-Tate after a late strike from Emily Hinkle from the penalty spot to put the final score at 1-1. In the first half Bethel came out determined while Blan played flat, and it led to a half of constant pressure on the defense for the Cats. Playing under siege for nearly 40 minutes, the Cats held a bend don’t break style and made it to the half tied at 0, but they did not register a shot on goal themselves. Things opened up for the Cats much more in the second half, but it was Bethel that would find the scoreboard first after Natalie Struve hit a long range chip over keeper Regan Ostermeier after a quick counter. Blan settled in and began forcing the action, registering quality shots on goal and seeing more chances in the final 25 minutes. Senior Emily Hinkle made her impact on the game with fifteen minutes to go when she uncorked a 30 yard strike that struck the crossbar and back into play in the middle of the box. Lana Roy continued her run of gritty play when she was first to the ball, and before she could attempt a putback shot she was taken down from behind, drawing be penalty kick. Hinkle attempted the penalty and used placement over power to find the corner of the goal and tie up the game. Blan came close to a game winner in the waning minutes, but ended with a 1-1 tie. Regan Ostermeier had 12 saves on the night, and Bri Haun had a confident defensive display. Blan moves to 5-6-2 on the season and takes on Fayetteville on Thursday night. -Coach K Ballinger

10/1/18 - Girls Soccer @ Leesburg Fairfield
The Blanchester Ladycats soccer team rode an offensive explosion to beat Leesburg Fairfield by a score of 10-0 on Monday night. The Cats were led offensively by seniors Emily Hinkle and Savanna Shank, both of whom scored hat tricks on the night, Hinkle with 4 and Shank with 3 goals. Blan burst into the game with 3 goals in the first 10 minutes as Hinkle nabbed the first 2 goals, one assisted by Shank and the other by Lana Roy. For her first Hinkle aggressively drove into the box and passed it past he keeper, and for her second she received a back pass at the top of the box and hit it with her left foot to drive it in. The next goal was a spectacular show of skill from Shank, who received a pass from Bri Wilson at midfield and then proceeded to dribble past 4 defenders using a flurry of moves to make her way all the way to the box before slotting it home. The game settled in for the next twenty minutes with Blan having the better chances but falling just short of adding to the lead. The final ten minutes yielded two more goals, the first from Wilson who finished off a diagonal pass towards the back post from Hinkle. Shank got her second of the night from a Hinkle pass and put it home from 12 yards out to make the lead 5-0 at the half. The second half saw Hinkle finish off two more goals, the first assisted by Bri Haun and the second of which was a great hit that hit the top post and in. Shank completed her hat trick from a corner kick, finishing it off close range after a scrum in the box. Keeper Regan Ostermeier got in on the action as well, notching an assist (and the 4th of her career from the goal) by skying a punt that cleared the defense, and a speedy Lana Roy tracked it down and beat the keeper 1 on 1 for a well deserved goal after being dangerous with the ball all game. Haun put in her first career goal for the final goal, driving in hard to score from close after Alyssa Griffith made the assist. Ostermeier had 8 saves in goal to push her record of shutouts to 20 total, and Hinkle now has moved her assist record to 32. Shank’s hat trick was a first for the converted defender who has fully grown into her role as a center forward, and the 4 goals for Hinkle is a personal career high. Blan moves to 5-6-1 on the year and takes on Bethel-Tate in league play on Tuesday. -Coach K Ballinger
The Blanchester Ladycats soccer team rode an offensive explosion to beat Leesburg Fairfield by a score of 10-0 on Monday night. The Cats were led offensively by seniors Emily Hinkle and Savanna Shank, both of whom scored hat tricks on the night, Hinkle with 4 and Shank with 3 goals. Blan burst into the game with 3 goals in the first 10 minutes as Hinkle nabbed the first 2 goals, one assisted by Shank and the other by Lana Roy. For her first Hinkle aggressively drove into the box and passed it past he keeper, and for her second she received a back pass at the top of the box and hit it with her left foot to drive it in. The next goal was a spectacular show of skill from Shank, who received a pass from Bri Wilson at midfield and then proceeded to dribble past 4 defenders using a flurry of moves to make her way all the way to the box before slotting it home. The game settled in for the next twenty minutes with Blan having the better chances but falling just short of adding to the lead. The final ten minutes yielded two more goals, the first from Wilson who finished off a diagonal pass towards the back post from Hinkle. Shank got her second of the night from a Hinkle pass and put it home from 12 yards out to make the lead 5-0 at the half. The second half saw Hinkle finish off two more goals, the first assisted by Bri Haun and the second of which was a great hit that hit the top post and in. Shank completed her hat trick from a corner kick, finishing it off close range after a scrum in the box. Keeper Regan Ostermeier got in on the action as well, notching an assist (and the 4th of her career from the goal) by skying a punt that cleared the defense, and a speedy Lana Roy tracked it down and beat the keeper 1 on 1 for a well deserved goal after being dangerous with the ball all game. Haun put in her first career goal for the final goal, driving in hard to score from close after Alyssa Griffith made the assist. Ostermeier had 8 saves in goal to push her record of shutouts to 20 total, and Hinkle now has moved her assist record to 32. Shank’s hat trick was a first for the converted defender who has fully grown into her role as a center forward, and the 4 goals for Hinkle is a personal career high. Blan moves to 5-6-1 on the year and takes on Bethel-Tate in league play on Tuesday. -Coach K Ballinger

9/27/18 - Girls Soccer HOME vs. Goshen
Senior Emily Hinkle scored a goal and added an assist to her career tally in leading the Ladycats to victory over Goshen, giving her 30 career assists to hold the record all on her own. The first half of the game was full of offensive fireworks, with Blanchester dominating possession and attacking relentlessly with through balls and chips over the top, but finally found their first goal through some defensive work by forward Savanna Shank. Shank forced a turnover deep in the Goshen goal box by dispossessing a defender, and fired a back pass to Hinkle who finished confidently to the opposite corner of the goal to give Blan the lead. Blan continued to push the attack, but momentum swung hard in the other direction about 25 minutes into the game. Following a scramble in front of the Blanchester goal, the ball ended up squirting out on the goal line and Goshen was able to tap it home to tie it up at 1 apiece. Rocking from the goal after dominating possession, Blan found themselves trailing 2-1 shortly after from a nice Goshen shot that snuck in the front post. Blan showed some resolve, however, and played a frenetic final 7 minutes of the half that saw them take the lead and nearly put the game away for good. With 6 minutes remaining Hinkle got her record breaking assist by slipping a ball through a high defensive line to Shank who took a shot from the top of the box over the keepers outstretched arms to tie up the game at 2-2. Two minutes later freshman Emma Winemiller chipped a ball into the box that was chested down by Caitlyn Lakes, who made a strong dibble to find space and hammer a shot home from close range to out Blan up 3-2. Within a minute later Shank found herself through again and was unlucky to have the ball hit the post and bounce out, but the half ended with Blan claiming all of the momentum. The second half was spirited as well and Blan outshot Goshen drastically in the half, but the score stayed at 3-2 for the remainder of the game. Hinkle, Shank, Lakes and Lana Roy all put heavy pressure on the Goshen defense and just missed adding to the goal tally due to some solid defensive stops by the Goshen keeper. Regan Ostermeier had 11 saves on the night, and the back line of Lili Morlan, Sally Schafer, Olivia Gundler and Bri Haun clamped down in the second half to close out the game. With regards to the record, Coach Ballinger remarked, “Emily has had an incredible career and deserves all the accolades that come her way. Tonight was exactly her 60th career game, and she has a combined total of 60 goals and assists in her career. To average a goal or assist a game for an entire four year career from a central midfield position is absurdly good, and it shows that she leaves an imprint on the game every time she steps on the field.” Blan moves to 4-6-1 on the year with the win. -Coach K Ballinger
Senior Emily Hinkle scored a goal and added an assist to her career tally in leading the Ladycats to victory over Goshen, giving her 30 career assists to hold the record all on her own. The first half of the game was full of offensive fireworks, with Blanchester dominating possession and attacking relentlessly with through balls and chips over the top, but finally found their first goal through some defensive work by forward Savanna Shank. Shank forced a turnover deep in the Goshen goal box by dispossessing a defender, and fired a back pass to Hinkle who finished confidently to the opposite corner of the goal to give Blan the lead. Blan continued to push the attack, but momentum swung hard in the other direction about 25 minutes into the game. Following a scramble in front of the Blanchester goal, the ball ended up squirting out on the goal line and Goshen was able to tap it home to tie it up at 1 apiece. Rocking from the goal after dominating possession, Blan found themselves trailing 2-1 shortly after from a nice Goshen shot that snuck in the front post. Blan showed some resolve, however, and played a frenetic final 7 minutes of the half that saw them take the lead and nearly put the game away for good. With 6 minutes remaining Hinkle got her record breaking assist by slipping a ball through a high defensive line to Shank who took a shot from the top of the box over the keepers outstretched arms to tie up the game at 2-2. Two minutes later freshman Emma Winemiller chipped a ball into the box that was chested down by Caitlyn Lakes, who made a strong dibble to find space and hammer a shot home from close range to out Blan up 3-2. Within a minute later Shank found herself through again and was unlucky to have the ball hit the post and bounce out, but the half ended with Blan claiming all of the momentum. The second half was spirited as well and Blan outshot Goshen drastically in the half, but the score stayed at 3-2 for the remainder of the game. Hinkle, Shank, Lakes and Lana Roy all put heavy pressure on the Goshen defense and just missed adding to the goal tally due to some solid defensive stops by the Goshen keeper. Regan Ostermeier had 11 saves on the night, and the back line of Lili Morlan, Sally Schafer, Olivia Gundler and Bri Haun clamped down in the second half to close out the game. With regards to the record, Coach Ballinger remarked, “Emily has had an incredible career and deserves all the accolades that come her way. Tonight was exactly her 60th career game, and she has a combined total of 60 goals and assists in her career. To average a goal or assist a game for an entire four year career from a central midfield position is absurdly good, and it shows that she leaves an imprint on the game every time she steps on the field.” Blan moves to 4-6-1 on the year with the win. -Coach K Ballinger
9/25/18 - Girls Soccer @ CNE
The Blanchester Lady Wildcats lost to CNE by a score of 4-0 on Tuesday night in SBAAC play. The Cats fell behind 2-0 in the first half, but the score was not an indicator of the flow of play in the half. Blanchester had dangerous possession and narrowly missed on converting goals from two corner kicks and an enticing cross, but all the opportunities went by unclaimed. Conversely, CNE made the most of their chances and punished Blanchester after a slip on the sloppy field, and then hit Blan on a nice counter to get the score to 2-0. During the second half CNE began to control the possession but lacked a finishing touch, until the final 20 minutes when CNE converted a penalty and another counter attack chance. Lana Roy played a strong attacking game, especially in the first half when Blan was on the front foot. Bri Haun, Sally Schafer, and Olivia Gundler stood out defensively, while Regan Ostermeier had 10 saves in goal. Blan falls to 3-6-1 on the year with the loss and take on Goshen on Thursday. -Coach K Ballinger
The Blanchester Lady Wildcats lost to CNE by a score of 4-0 on Tuesday night in SBAAC play. The Cats fell behind 2-0 in the first half, but the score was not an indicator of the flow of play in the half. Blanchester had dangerous possession and narrowly missed on converting goals from two corner kicks and an enticing cross, but all the opportunities went by unclaimed. Conversely, CNE made the most of their chances and punished Blanchester after a slip on the sloppy field, and then hit Blan on a nice counter to get the score to 2-0. During the second half CNE began to control the possession but lacked a finishing touch, until the final 20 minutes when CNE converted a penalty and another counter attack chance. Lana Roy played a strong attacking game, especially in the first half when Blan was on the front foot. Bri Haun, Sally Schafer, and Olivia Gundler stood out defensively, while Regan Ostermeier had 10 saves in goal. Blan falls to 3-6-1 on the year with the loss and take on Goshen on Thursday. -Coach K Ballinger

9/20/18 - Girl's Soccer HOME vs. Felicity
The Blanchester Ladycat senior class put on a show against Felicity on Thursday night in a 7-0 victory, led by playmaker Emily Hinkle. Hinkle had another vintage game, notching 2 goals and 3 assists, which ties her for the school assist record with her 29th career assist. She is now tied with Tori Richardson who set the record back in 2010, but Hinkle has 7 more games to attempt to break it. Blan came out quickly with a Caitlyn Lakes goal who finished off a through ball from Hinkle by finding the back post from across the box. Hinkle added her first goal of the game 20 minutes into the half, finding the top corner from a shot at the top of the box, assisted by senior Savanna Shank. Blan dominated the ball in the half, but could not find a good rhythm, and went into the half up 2-0. The Ladycats exploded in the second half, as Hinkle grabbed her second goal within 4 minutes, assisted by senior Olivia Gundler. Senior defender Sally Schafer had a highlight goal, volleying a cross from Hinkle to the back post for her first goal of the year. Shank had an attacking flurry and scored two goals in a span of two minutes, the first assisted by Gundler, as Shank settled the ball in the middle of the box and calmly slotted it home. The second was assisted by Schafer as Shank just beat out the onrushing keeper to tap it past for the score. Hinkle got the record tying assist when she laid off a pass in the box to Gundler, who put the ball to the back post for her first goal of the season. Regan Ostermeier had 5 saves in the shutout effort, pushing her career record to 19 shutouts. Hinkle's 2 goals on the night pushed her career goals to 29 as well to match her 29 assists, showing off her amazing dual threat ability and consistency throughout her career. Bri Haun and Bri Wilson played excellent defensively for the Cats in the win. Blan moves to 3-5-1 with the win. -Coach K Ballinger
The Blanchester Ladycat senior class put on a show against Felicity on Thursday night in a 7-0 victory, led by playmaker Emily Hinkle. Hinkle had another vintage game, notching 2 goals and 3 assists, which ties her for the school assist record with her 29th career assist. She is now tied with Tori Richardson who set the record back in 2010, but Hinkle has 7 more games to attempt to break it. Blan came out quickly with a Caitlyn Lakes goal who finished off a through ball from Hinkle by finding the back post from across the box. Hinkle added her first goal of the game 20 minutes into the half, finding the top corner from a shot at the top of the box, assisted by senior Savanna Shank. Blan dominated the ball in the half, but could not find a good rhythm, and went into the half up 2-0. The Ladycats exploded in the second half, as Hinkle grabbed her second goal within 4 minutes, assisted by senior Olivia Gundler. Senior defender Sally Schafer had a highlight goal, volleying a cross from Hinkle to the back post for her first goal of the year. Shank had an attacking flurry and scored two goals in a span of two minutes, the first assisted by Gundler, as Shank settled the ball in the middle of the box and calmly slotted it home. The second was assisted by Schafer as Shank just beat out the onrushing keeper to tap it past for the score. Hinkle got the record tying assist when she laid off a pass in the box to Gundler, who put the ball to the back post for her first goal of the season. Regan Ostermeier had 5 saves in the shutout effort, pushing her career record to 19 shutouts. Hinkle's 2 goals on the night pushed her career goals to 29 as well to match her 29 assists, showing off her amazing dual threat ability and consistency throughout her career. Bri Haun and Bri Wilson played excellent defensively for the Cats in the win. Blan moves to 3-5-1 with the win. -Coach K Ballinger
9/17/18 - Girls Soccer @ Eastern BrownThe Blanchester Lady Wildcats traveled to Eastern Brown and suffered a 6-2 defeat on Thursday night. Blanchester came out flat and paid dearly for it as Eastern ripped off 3 goals in the first 20 minutes, all stemming from misplays in the box by Blanchester. Mishits and mistimed runs were the theme of the half for Blanchester, and the half ended 3-0. Blanchester found its footing to begin the second half, and Emily Hinkle dribbled past two defenders to find just enough space to hit a pristine looping shot to the top corner from roughly 20 yards out. But Blan could not shake their costly errors and gave up 3 more unanswered goals, putting the game out of reach. Savanna Shank made a great driving attack and laid off a perfect pass to Caitlyn Lakes who tapped in a consolation goal for the Cats in the final minutes. Lakes had 4 saves in the first half in goal, and Alyssa Griffith had 3 saves in the second half. Sally Schafer played solid defensively for the Cats, with Hinkle and Shank combining well offensively. Blan moves to 2-5-1 on the year and plays Felicity at home on Thursday. -Coach K Ballinger
9/13/18 - Girls Soccer @ Georgetown
The Blanchester Ladycats fell to Georgetown by a score of 3-0 on Thursday night. Georgetown got on the board first from a corner kick that was deflected into goal off an unfortunate bounce from a Blanchester defender. They struck again with a long ball over the top of a high defensive line, and on e again with less than three minutes remaining from the center of the box. In the second half Blan found their defensive moxy and stymied the Georgetown attack, but were unable to generate enough attack of their own, leading tot the final score of 3-0. Senior defenders Olivia Gundler and Sally Schafer played standout games, particularly in the second half as they made repeated last ditch interventions to keep out dangerous attacks. Savanna Shank covered lots of ground in the defensive midfield as well. Caitlyn Lakes had 14 saves on the night in goal for the Cats, who fell to 2-4-1 with the loss. -Coach K Ballinger
The Blanchester Ladycats fell to Georgetown by a score of 3-0 on Thursday night. Georgetown got on the board first from a corner kick that was deflected into goal off an unfortunate bounce from a Blanchester defender. They struck again with a long ball over the top of a high defensive line, and on e again with less than three minutes remaining from the center of the box. In the second half Blan found their defensive moxy and stymied the Georgetown attack, but were unable to generate enough attack of their own, leading tot the final score of 3-0. Senior defenders Olivia Gundler and Sally Schafer played standout games, particularly in the second half as they made repeated last ditch interventions to keep out dangerous attacks. Savanna Shank covered lots of ground in the defensive midfield as well. Caitlyn Lakes had 14 saves on the night in goal for the Cats, who fell to 2-4-1 with the loss. -Coach K Ballinger
9/11/18 - Girls Soccer @ Williamsburg
The Blanchester Lady Wildcats sufferered a 5-0 defeat against Williamsburg on Tuesday night. Blanchester got off to a bright start, but a few unlucky bounces and untimely mistakes quickly turned the game into Williamsburg’s favor. Ten minutes into the game a Williamsburg midfielder misshit and sliced a cross high into the air from 30 yards out, and it came down perfectly in the top corner for the first goal of the goal. Confidence for Williamsburg built from there as they hit a no doubter to the top corner 10 minutes later. The Cats began to settle back in until a deflection from a defender helped the ball carom away the Blan keeper and into the net. The first half finished with a score of 3-0, although the gulf between the teams was not as large as the lead. Williamsburg quickly took charge in the second half, scoring on a deflected clear attempt by the keeper that was chased down and put into the empty net. Blanchester could not find their way back into the game, and fifth goal was added with less than 20 minutes remaining. Caitlyn Lakes has 17 saves in goal for the Cats, playing in place of the injured Regan Ostermeier, and had some good saves on a slick field. Substitute Maddison Berrien added a spark for the Cats off of the bench. Blanchester falls to 2-3-1 on the year with the loss. -Coach K Ballinger
The Blanchester Lady Wildcats sufferered a 5-0 defeat against Williamsburg on Tuesday night. Blanchester got off to a bright start, but a few unlucky bounces and untimely mistakes quickly turned the game into Williamsburg’s favor. Ten minutes into the game a Williamsburg midfielder misshit and sliced a cross high into the air from 30 yards out, and it came down perfectly in the top corner for the first goal of the goal. Confidence for Williamsburg built from there as they hit a no doubter to the top corner 10 minutes later. The Cats began to settle back in until a deflection from a defender helped the ball carom away the Blan keeper and into the net. The first half finished with a score of 3-0, although the gulf between the teams was not as large as the lead. Williamsburg quickly took charge in the second half, scoring on a deflected clear attempt by the keeper that was chased down and put into the empty net. Blanchester could not find their way back into the game, and fifth goal was added with less than 20 minutes remaining. Caitlyn Lakes has 17 saves in goal for the Cats, playing in place of the injured Regan Ostermeier, and had some good saves on a slick field. Substitute Maddison Berrien added a spark for the Cats off of the bench. Blanchester falls to 2-3-1 on the year with the loss. -Coach K Ballinger
9/6/18 - Girls Soccer @ Clinton Massie
The Blanchester Ladycats lost to the Clinton-Massie Falcons by a score of 4-2 on Thursday night. Blanchester started brightly and took the lead on a great goal by Savanna Shank off of a set piece situation. Emily Hinkle played in a low hard cross that Shank volleyed off her first touch, beating the keeper to give the Cats the lead. The lead was short lived, however, as Blan brought down a Massie player in the box, and Sadie Carruthers buried the penalty kick to tie up the game. That score was enough to jolt Massie back into the game as the Falcons began to dominate possession from there and found their second goal through Lindsay Carter who put in a hard shot that tucked just inside the near post. The score stayed 2-1 throughout the half, with Blan keeper Regan Ostermeier coming up big on several occasions to keep out Clinton-Massie. Massie struck quickly in the second half to push the lead to 3-1 and continued to handle possession. Blan rallied back with a goal in near identical fashion to the first, with Hinkle sending a free kick into the box that Shank ran onto and bundled into the net just before the Massie keeper could reach the cross for her second goal of the night. Massie quickly responded with their 4th goal, coming from a corner kick play. Ostermeier had 21 saves on the night, several in spectacular fashion. Bri Wilson put in another gutsy effort in the defensive midfield, and Hinkle's 2 assists on the night put her 3 away from breaking the Blanchester career record. Blan moves to 2-2-1 -K Ballinger
The Blanchester Ladycats lost to the Clinton-Massie Falcons by a score of 4-2 on Thursday night. Blanchester started brightly and took the lead on a great goal by Savanna Shank off of a set piece situation. Emily Hinkle played in a low hard cross that Shank volleyed off her first touch, beating the keeper to give the Cats the lead. The lead was short lived, however, as Blan brought down a Massie player in the box, and Sadie Carruthers buried the penalty kick to tie up the game. That score was enough to jolt Massie back into the game as the Falcons began to dominate possession from there and found their second goal through Lindsay Carter who put in a hard shot that tucked just inside the near post. The score stayed 2-1 throughout the half, with Blan keeper Regan Ostermeier coming up big on several occasions to keep out Clinton-Massie. Massie struck quickly in the second half to push the lead to 3-1 and continued to handle possession. Blan rallied back with a goal in near identical fashion to the first, with Hinkle sending a free kick into the box that Shank ran onto and bundled into the net just before the Massie keeper could reach the cross for her second goal of the night. Massie quickly responded with their 4th goal, coming from a corner kick play. Ostermeier had 21 saves on the night, several in spectacular fashion. Bri Wilson put in another gutsy effort in the defensive midfield, and Hinkle's 2 assists on the night put her 3 away from breaking the Blanchester career record. Blan moves to 2-2-1 -K Ballinger

9/4/18 - Girls soccer HOME vs. Bethel Tate
Blanchester senior Emily Hinkle extended her scoring streak to 4 games as she netted the sole goal in a 1-0 victory for the Cats over Bethel-Tate on Tuesday night. The Ladycats found success playing the ball through Hinkle throughout the first half, but were unable to capitalize, missing several shots by mere inches, with one shot from Bri Haun careening off the post and out. Despite Blan creating the more dangerous chances, the game entered have time tied 0-0, but that would last less than two minutes into the second half. Hinkle, the Ladycats talisman who routinely shows up in big moments, scored just over a minute into the second half, playing a nice one two with Savanna Shank before slotting the ball on the ground to the corner of the goal to take the lead. Hinkle now has five goals on the season and has scored in every contest so far for the Cats. Blan continued to press the attack, but had two goals by Lana Roy and Haun disallowed after being judged to be offsides, which kept the game close and hard fought all the way to the end. Although tense, the Ladycat defense was well up to the task, with a back line of Olivia Gundler, Sally Schafer, Lacie Tedrick, and Lili Morlan all playing the full game in hot conditions, shutting down most chances and teaming with keeper Regan Ostermeier to notch the team's second shutout of the year. Ostermeier had 7 saves in a commanding performance, pushing the career shutout record to 18. Bri Wilson put in a workman-like shift as a defensive midfielder and stood out with her strong play. -Coach K Ballinger
Blanchester senior Emily Hinkle extended her scoring streak to 4 games as she netted the sole goal in a 1-0 victory for the Cats over Bethel-Tate on Tuesday night. The Ladycats found success playing the ball through Hinkle throughout the first half, but were unable to capitalize, missing several shots by mere inches, with one shot from Bri Haun careening off the post and out. Despite Blan creating the more dangerous chances, the game entered have time tied 0-0, but that would last less than two minutes into the second half. Hinkle, the Ladycats talisman who routinely shows up in big moments, scored just over a minute into the second half, playing a nice one two with Savanna Shank before slotting the ball on the ground to the corner of the goal to take the lead. Hinkle now has five goals on the season and has scored in every contest so far for the Cats. Blan continued to press the attack, but had two goals by Lana Roy and Haun disallowed after being judged to be offsides, which kept the game close and hard fought all the way to the end. Although tense, the Ladycat defense was well up to the task, with a back line of Olivia Gundler, Sally Schafer, Lacie Tedrick, and Lili Morlan all playing the full game in hot conditions, shutting down most chances and teaming with keeper Regan Ostermeier to notch the team's second shutout of the year. Ostermeier had 7 saves in a commanding performance, pushing the career shutout record to 18. Bri Wilson put in a workman-like shift as a defensive midfielder and stood out with her strong play. -Coach K Ballinger

8/28/18 - Girls Soccer HOME vs. CNE
The Blanchester Lady Wildcats clawed back from a late deficit to tie CNE 1-1 on Tuesday night in SBAAC play. The Ladycats and Rockets played a spirited first half, with possession tilting in favor of CNE, but neither team finding good looks on goal in the first 25 minutes of the game. Things began to open up in the final portion of the half, but a stingy defense won out each time as the Wildcat back line led by Olivia Gundler and Sally Schafer limited CNE's open looks. CNE found their breakthrough five minutes into the second half, however, as Blan failed to clear their lines defensive, and the ball was eventually slotted home by CNE after several attempts. Blan refused to go quietly though, and senior Emily Hinkle stepped up once again with a moment of inspiration and fired home a 25 yard knuckle ball that bounced off the outstretched hands of the CNE keeper and into the back of the net. Savanna Shank got the assist, playing a nice one two pass to help open Hinkle up for the blast. Blan pushed for the game winner in the final moments, but the game ended with the score tied at 1. Regan Ostermeier played a strong game in goal, notching 12 saves, and defenders Lacie Tedrick and Bri Haun put in fine defensive work. -Coach K Ballinger
The Blanchester Lady Wildcats clawed back from a late deficit to tie CNE 1-1 on Tuesday night in SBAAC play. The Ladycats and Rockets played a spirited first half, with possession tilting in favor of CNE, but neither team finding good looks on goal in the first 25 minutes of the game. Things began to open up in the final portion of the half, but a stingy defense won out each time as the Wildcat back line led by Olivia Gundler and Sally Schafer limited CNE's open looks. CNE found their breakthrough five minutes into the second half, however, as Blan failed to clear their lines defensive, and the ball was eventually slotted home by CNE after several attempts. Blan refused to go quietly though, and senior Emily Hinkle stepped up once again with a moment of inspiration and fired home a 25 yard knuckle ball that bounced off the outstretched hands of the CNE keeper and into the back of the net. Savanna Shank got the assist, playing a nice one two pass to help open Hinkle up for the blast. Blan pushed for the game winner in the final moments, but the game ended with the score tied at 1. Regan Ostermeier played a strong game in goal, notching 12 saves, and defenders Lacie Tedrick and Bri Haun put in fine defensive work. -Coach K Ballinger

8/23/18 - Ladycats Soccer @ Felicity
Senior keeper Regan Ostermeier broke the Blanchester career shutout record as the Ladycats cruised to a 7-0 victory over Felicity Thursday night. The shutout marked the 17th of her career, surpassing previous record holder Ana Hosler. Blanchester was paced offensively by Emily Hinkle, who displayed her set piece mastery in netting 2 goals, both from dead ball situations, one a free kick and the other directly from a corner. She also lead the team with 2 assists. Hinkle’s first came 9 minutes into the game from a free kick roughly 20 yards out, curling it up and over the wall to the corner of the goal. Blan dominated possession and scoring chances, and their pressure paid off again as Savanna Shank scored her first of the year after Lana Roy settled a cross and laid it off into her path for the assist. The favor was quickly returned for Roy less than one minute later, who scored her first career goal when Hinkle fired one across the goal into her path, and Roy calmly finished it off into the empty net. Freshmen Caitlyn Lakes announced her arrival to the league in the 27th minute with a long distance shot from a tight angle for her first career goal as well, assisted by Lili Morlan. The half ended 4-0, and the Cats followed the same formula to dispatch Felicity in the second half. Lakes added her second finishing off a through ball from Hinkle. Hinkle added her second from a corner kick, as she hit her corner directly to the back post and in unassisted. Senior Bri Wilson rounded out the scoring with a scorcher from outside the box that just grazed the top post on its way in. Ostermeier had five saves in her record setting game, and defenders Olivia Gundler and Sally Schafer held a strong line to help earn the clean sheet. Blan moves to 1-1 on the year and plays CNE at home next Tuesday in league action. -Coach K Ballinger
Senior keeper Regan Ostermeier broke the Blanchester career shutout record as the Ladycats cruised to a 7-0 victory over Felicity Thursday night. The shutout marked the 17th of her career, surpassing previous record holder Ana Hosler. Blanchester was paced offensively by Emily Hinkle, who displayed her set piece mastery in netting 2 goals, both from dead ball situations, one a free kick and the other directly from a corner. She also lead the team with 2 assists. Hinkle’s first came 9 minutes into the game from a free kick roughly 20 yards out, curling it up and over the wall to the corner of the goal. Blan dominated possession and scoring chances, and their pressure paid off again as Savanna Shank scored her first of the year after Lana Roy settled a cross and laid it off into her path for the assist. The favor was quickly returned for Roy less than one minute later, who scored her first career goal when Hinkle fired one across the goal into her path, and Roy calmly finished it off into the empty net. Freshmen Caitlyn Lakes announced her arrival to the league in the 27th minute with a long distance shot from a tight angle for her first career goal as well, assisted by Lili Morlan. The half ended 4-0, and the Cats followed the same formula to dispatch Felicity in the second half. Lakes added her second finishing off a through ball from Hinkle. Hinkle added her second from a corner kick, as she hit her corner directly to the back post and in unassisted. Senior Bri Wilson rounded out the scoring with a scorcher from outside the box that just grazed the top post on its way in. Ostermeier had five saves in her record setting game, and defenders Olivia Gundler and Sally Schafer held a strong line to help earn the clean sheet. Blan moves to 1-1 on the year and plays CNE at home next Tuesday in league action. -Coach K Ballinger

8/21/18 - Girls Soccer HOME vs. Georgetown
The Blanchester Lady Wildcats dropped their opening game of the season to the Georgetown Lady G-Men on Tuesday night by a score of 7-1. Georgetown wasted no time in taking the lead from a a corner kick in the 4th minute to stake their intentions in the game. However, Blan rallied back 15 minutes into the game when Emily Hinkle pounced on a blocked shot outside the box and fired a shot over the Georgetown keeper to tie up the game at 1 apiece. The first half played out to be a competitive affer, but in the final 10 minutes of the half Georgetown added two goals in quick succession to take a firm grip that they would not loosen in the second half. Georgetown added their 4th goal of the game from a long through ball, and calamity struck for the Cats when seniors Regan Ostermeier and Savanna Shank, both who played strong games, had to be subbed off due to injury. Blan's inexperience began to show in the late stages of the game after the injuries as the Lady G-Men added three late goals to wrap up the final scoreline. Regan Ostermeier had 19 saves in goal before exiting, and Alyssa Griffith added 4 saves in her relief appearance in goal. Senior defenders Olivia Gundler and Sally Schafer had well played and gritty games, while Hinkle looked a threat to score when she was on the ball and had several shot attempts that forced good saves from the Georgetown keeper. Blan travels to Felicity on Thursday for their next game. -Coach Ballinger
The Blanchester Lady Wildcats dropped their opening game of the season to the Georgetown Lady G-Men on Tuesday night by a score of 7-1. Georgetown wasted no time in taking the lead from a a corner kick in the 4th minute to stake their intentions in the game. However, Blan rallied back 15 minutes into the game when Emily Hinkle pounced on a blocked shot outside the box and fired a shot over the Georgetown keeper to tie up the game at 1 apiece. The first half played out to be a competitive affer, but in the final 10 minutes of the half Georgetown added two goals in quick succession to take a firm grip that they would not loosen in the second half. Georgetown added their 4th goal of the game from a long through ball, and calamity struck for the Cats when seniors Regan Ostermeier and Savanna Shank, both who played strong games, had to be subbed off due to injury. Blan's inexperience began to show in the late stages of the game after the injuries as the Lady G-Men added three late goals to wrap up the final scoreline. Regan Ostermeier had 19 saves in goal before exiting, and Alyssa Griffith added 4 saves in her relief appearance in goal. Senior defenders Olivia Gundler and Sally Schafer had well played and gritty games, while Hinkle looked a threat to score when she was on the ball and had several shot attempts that forced good saves from the Georgetown keeper. Blan travels to Felicity on Thursday for their next game. -Coach Ballinger