WEST SALEM -- Taking the pitch sans their leading scorers, both Northwestern coach Bryan Schaaf and Rittman's Brian Sugerman were looking for someone to step up and fill the void.
The Huskies proved to have more weapons in their arsenal than Rachael Mahr, as three different players found the back of the net in Northwestern's 3-0 victory over the Indians Thursday at Northwestern.
"Both teams' leading scorers picked up injuries when we played each other Monday night," Schaaf said. "They kind of cancelled each other out. We really strive to have more than one point of attack. Rachael Mahr is a fantastic player and a real difference maker. But what we have on the field with this team is a lot of ability with potential -- young potential."
A couple of those young players with potential are sophomores Schylar Bebout and Johna Gordon.
The duo teamed up to tally the first goal for the Huskies in the first half with Gordon finding Bebout open in front of the goal for the score midway through the first half.
That is where the score remained after the first 40 minutes.
"We certainly caught a bit of a break with Abby Deffenbaugh being out tonight," Schaaf said. "That really allowed us to focus in on Erika Hercula, who's a dynamo of a player. Fortunately, we were able to keep her pretty quiet tonight."
The Huskies defense held Rittman to one shot attempt.
Meanwhile, Gordon proved to be a force of her own on the offensive end for the Huskies (2-8-1, 2-4-1 in the Wayne County Athletic League).
"Coach puts me wherever he needs me and I just go out and play my hardest," Gordon said. "Passing to feet and moving are key. Our intensity was very good tonight."
Moments after Gordon's penalty kick was blocked by back-up keeper Melissa Shaum, who came in early in the second half to replace injured starter Emily Berger, Gordon got another opportunity on a cross from Debbie Eberly. This time, she found the back of the net for a 2-0 Northwestern advantage.
"Johna is a very mature player for her age," Schaaf said. "We threw her into the fire. She's been our starting central midfielder since day one of her freshman year. We shifted her around a little bit today more out of need because of injuries. "
Injuries were a key factor in keeping the Indians winless in the WCAL (0-6-1), 1-7-2 overall.
"We're at a part of the season where injuries are really hurting us," Sugerman said. "It hurt us tonight. Our goal keeper, who is very, very good, goes out early in the second half when it's 1-0. That changed the game.
"Northwestern came out with energy and aggressiveness," he continued. "I guess they just wanted it a little more tonight."
Brittany Stevens tacked on an unassisted insurance goal with 25:38 remaining in the game.
The Huskies outshot the Indians 7-1. Northwestern keeper Amber Barnes saved the only shot that came her way.
Kevin Lynch can be reached at 330-674-5676 or firstname.lastname@example.org.