By Journal Sports Staff

SAULT STE. MARIE — Marquette junior soccer forward Lauren Kurzawa broke Sault Ste. Marie’s hearts once already this season and two nights ago, she did it again.

After scoring the game-winning goal in the closing seconds earlier this month to beat the Blue Devils, Kurzawa scored right before halftime Thursday for the only goal of the game and the Redettes held on late to close out their season with a 1-0 victory.

The game was a back-and-forth affair and in the first half, the Redettes (11-3-2) used some lockdown defense from seniors Rachel Ely and Karissa Langsford to keep the Blue Devils from getting on the scoreboard.

With time running out in the half, Kurzawa found an opening between two SSM defenders and launched the ball into the corner of the net. Ivy Pickard picked up an assist on the goal.

In the second half, both teams had some nice scoring opportunities, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

The Redettes sent several corner kicks toward the SSM goal, but the Blue Devils weathered the onslaught to keep their deficit at one goal.

However, the Marquette defense stiffened up as the half wore on as juniors Natalie Robinia and Sophie Bartlett helped keep the ball out of the zone and goalkeeper Jazmine Burke came through with some nice saves to preserve the shutout.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Writer Ryan Stieg. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.