By STEVE MORRISON
Niles Daily Star

The Paw Paw Redskins soccer team dominated the Niles Lady Vikings offensively in a 4-2 conquest on Saturday afternoon.

Paw Paw’s 25 shots on goal spelled the difference as Niles was seldom able to put on an offensive surge to equal their opponents.

The lone bright spot in the Niles line-up effort was Alex McIntee, who scored two goals, virtually unassisted for the Vikings.

Also, Kristina Gard was particularly effective on the right side from her midfield slot for Niles.

To their credit the Vikings entered intermission with a 1-1 tie. Some timely work on defense by McIntee, Ava McKeel, Katrina Gard, Nicole Coussens, Shannon McTigue and Shannon McKeel helped Niles hold off the Paw Paw charge during the first 40 minutes.

Desiree-Smith Underhill, Taylor Underhill, Selena Martinez and Elena Olivares led the Redskins’ unyielding attack against the Vikings, peppering Niles keepers Sarah Smith and Kate Butler with their offensive attempts.

In the first half Smith made some highlight stops. She bagged two shots from the corner by Taylor Underhill in a span of less than 30 seconds. Then Smith made a great save on Underhill’s breakaway shot just before Niles’ McIntee dead-locked the game at 1-1.

McIntee inspired her Niles teammates with a solid direct kick that eluded Paw Paw keeper Natalie Kmet with 14:50 left in the half knotting the score.

Niles actually led a spirited attack on the Redskins to begin the second half. Led by McIntee, Lacey Stanage and Anne Tyler the Vikings made several thrusts into the Redskins’ end.

Haleigh Yerrick missed a scoring opportunity for the Redskins when her ball swept wide left past Smith’s sprawling save attempt.

Then a span of just over two minutes spelled the outcome of the game.

Selena Martinez centered a perfect pass to Elena Olivares for the go-ahead goal at 55:04. Morgan Evick followed that up with deflection of Taylor Underhill’s dagger with 22:44 left to put Paw Paw in command at 3-1.

Niles never was never able to recover.

Desiree Smith-Underhill’s second goal of the game iced the win for Paw Paw with 8:01 left in the contest.

With 2:48 remaining, McIntee scored with another solid thump for the Vikings.
Niles coach Jo Schau was obviously frustrated with the loss.

“The first half we were hanging with them (Paw Paw) more defensively than offensively,” she said.

Schau indicated that hope is on the horizon with more experience in the final stages of a season that has seen numerous injuries decimate her squad.

Niles stands at 6-9 on the season. The Redskins are now 10-3. Niles plays its last regular season game Monday at home.

Paw Paw…4
Niles…2
Halftime score
Paw Paw 1, Niles 1

First half
PP – Desiree-Smith Underhill 4th minute (Taylor Underhill assist) fourth minute
N – Alexis McIntee – 15th minute

Second half
PP – Elena Olivares 65th minute (Selena Martinez assist)
PP – Morgan Evick 67th minute (Taylor Underhill assist)
PP – Desiree-Smith Underhill 63rd minute
N – McIntee 67th minute

Shots on goal
Paw Paw 25
Niles 6

Saves
Paw Paw 4 (Natalie Kmet)
Niles 21 (Sarah Smith 16, Kate Butler 5)