HENRIETTA TWP. — What’s up with Firelands sports? The football team won two of its first three games and the boys soccer team doubled its 2007 win total in the first two weeks of the season.
And how about those girls? The Lady Falcons, with only 14 on the squad, won five of their first six soccer matches and nobody remembers the last time that happened.
Part of the story is veteran coach Andy Marsh, one of the most knowledgeable in the business. Now in his second season on the south slope of Henrietta Hill, the former Elyria Catholic icon has brought a sense of stablility to the Falcons’ program.
But the major reasons are seniors Rachael Melendez and Elizabeth Kozlowski.    This week, Melendez ranks second statewide with 17 goals through six games and Kozlowski is tied for 13th with 10. Check this out: Kozlowski is second statewide with 10 assists and Melendez is tied for fourth with eight.
“I’m used to playing off the ball more than I am on the ball,” Kozlowski said of her assists ability. “I’m not used to attacking as much I like playing off and letting everyone have equal opportunities.”
And the lack of depth is no detriment, Melendez said.
“Our girls are strong and we work hard together,” she said. “If our work ethic is up, anything can happen. Our numbers might be small, but we go out there with what we have and play our best.”
“The biggest thing is Koz and Rach,” Marsh said. “But even though we’re small in number, all our kids want to play. They have the desire to play. That complements the entire team. We’re doing OK with these kids.”
Another reason for the turnaround is sophomore goalkeeper Erika Beursken, who posted her third shutout of the season on Monday.
“Our defenders are very strong,” Beursken said. “My sweeper (sophomore Alex Dziat) can come in from out of nowhere, even if she’s out of breath. They all work together. They cover each other.”
And part of the equation is chemistry, Buersken said. This team is close.
“We’re such a big family,” Buersken said. “We all work together. We just make a great team.”
Contact Bob Daniels at 329-7135 or soccer@bobdaniels.info.

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