Union-North Tama junior defender Grace Ruzicka (25) works to stop Grundy Center/Gladbrook-Reinbeck junior Prycely Beard April 9 in La Porte City. The Knights’ defense spent much of the evening in constant motion against the Rebels’ ample firepower. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

LA PORTE CITY – Under gloomy skies and the threat of rain, the Grundy Center/Gladbrook-Reinbeck Rebel offense tore through Union Stadium last Thursday, April 9, rolling to a 5-0 shutout of the Union-North Tama Knights in an early-season NICL clash.

The Knights spent much of the first half on defense working to combat the Rebels’ firepower. Following an initial slow 15 minutes, GCGR freshman sensation Karina Arvizu-Ersland knocked in the first goal before scoring again in the final five minutes ahead of the break. Between goals, Union-North Tama freshman forward Avery Weber exited the game due to injury following an attempt on goal; she later returned to play with written clearance from Union’s head athletic trainer, Taylor Vaske.

The Rebels kept up the high-octane pace in the second half. Some two minutes into play, Arvizu-Ersland kicked an easy goal off a throw-in to bring the score to 3-0. Ten minutes later, GCGR senior Kali Aldrich managed a long-distance strike followed by another screamer in quick succession. In the scuffle of the second, Knights junior midfielder Hailey Petersen was knocked down, suffering an injury to her right foot, and was assisted off the field.

Just prior to the final whistle, a light but steady rain let loose before GCGR claimed the conference match, 5-0, marking the program’s second shutout this season after defeating Columbus Catholic, 10-0, the Tuesday prior (April 7) at home. The Rebels (2-0-1) opened the season April 2 with a 1-1 tie against Dike-New Hartford.

Against the Knights, Arvizu-Ersland led GCGR with three goals and seven shots on goal. Aldrich added two goals on eight shots on goal, while junior Prycely Beard had four shots on goal. Keeper Elly Fogt made seven saves in the net.

Union-North Tama sophomore Ellie Pospisil (4) fights to regain control of the ball from GCGR defender Ayla Baer on April 9 in La Porte City. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Statistics for Union-North Tama were not available in time for publication.

The Knights’ loss to the Rebels marked their second shutout of the season after they fell 3-0 to conference foe Class 1A No. 3 Hudson on the road April 7 in their own season debut.

Union-North Tama’s scheduled match last Friday with Cedar Rapids Jefferson was postponed due to wet field conditions.

GCGR junior Jada Cheville (8) and Union-North Tama freshman Olivia Schildroth battle for the ball April 9 in La Porte City. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Union-North Tama’s Hannah Grote (13) chases after Rebel junior Prycely Beard (1) as she sends a shot toward the net April 9 in La Porte City. The Knights’ defense spent much of the evening in constant motion against GCGR’s ample firepower. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER