CYNDI MILLS

cyndi.mills@sunmedia.ca

Last week high schools in the county hit the pitches for the 2012 Upper Ottawa Valley High School Athletic Association (UOVHS) soccer season. In its first game of the season the Bishop Smith Catholic High School Crusaders senior boy's team took on the Deep River Mackenzie Community School Mustangs.

With the Crusaders enjoying a home pitch advantage, things were evened back out as both teams had to play in wet, slippery conditions as rain poured from the dark, grey skies.

Early in first half, the Mustangs' goalie was kneed in the temple in an attempt to prevent a Crusader from making his way to the net with the ball. The gallant save forced the Mustang goalie come off the field to shake off the injury.

However, mere minutes after the incident, Crusader Michael Minns scored the first goal of the season for his team, 17 minutes into the first half.

Working as a team the Crusaders used the field to their benefit with the seniors boys making their way down the field to the net. The boys took advantage of their opportunities and took shots on the net.

That being said, the Mustang players also had their share of breakaways and shots on the Crusaders' goalie, however the team was unable to find the back of its opponent's net.

At the end of the first half the Crusaders had a 1-0 lead.

The second half saw the Crusaders' Ben Mitchel and Justin Benoit score a goal each. Bishop Smith won its first game of the season 3-0.

Along with the senior boys, the senior girls and junior teams also played their first games last week.

Currently Bishop Smith Catholic High School's Junior boys team is leading the division. Fellowes High School's junior girls team is leading junior division with Mackenzie Community Senior girls winning its first two games, putting the team in first place that division.

The senior boys division has four teams tied for first place with Arnprior District High School, Bishop Smith Catholic High School, Fellowes High School and St. Joes High School all winning their first games of the season.

The UOVHSAA soccer season runs until May 24 when the finals will be played at Riverside Park in Pembroke.

Cyndi Mills is a Daily Observer multimedia journalist