Mandeville's Holiday Invitational a success

Mandeville’s Lady Skippers defeated the C.E. Byrd Lady Yellow Jackets 2-0 Monday afternoon in the MHS Holiday Invitational. The Lady Skippers struck first when sophomore Kaitlin Davis converted a penalty kick opportunity midway through the half. MHS extended the lead when sophomore Emily Descant fired a long-range shot into the net in the 68th minute. Bailey Kleis was named MHS’ top defender.

In Tuesday’s first match, MHS rallied to tie the Mount Carmel Cubs 1-1. Mt. Carmel scored first in the second half when Alanna DiVittorio collected a service in the penalty box and fired a shot to the left corner past goalkeeper Amy Howard. 

MHS tied the score when sophomore KK Peters took a corner kick and found Descant at the far post. Descant volleyed it in, and the teams remained tied for the rest of the match. Kirstin Kellar was named MHS’ top defender.

The Lady Skippers battled St. Thomas More to a 1-1 tie in the concluding match. Following a scoreless first half, the referee awarded penalty kicks to both sides in the second half. 

Kaitlin Davis converted Mandeville’s for a 1-0 lead, but Danielle Landry of St. Thomas More answered with another one to tie the match. Howard & Abby Post split time in the goal for Mandeville, which was led by Peters on defense. Mandeville upped its season record to 17-1-2.

MHS coach Sean Esker said his club achieved what they set out to do.

“We were right there giving us exposure to quality competition going against some of the state’s best programs,” Esker said.

“We played with those teams minute for minute. I think that is important for preparing us to do well in the remaining district games going against Fontainebleau and SSA,” Esker added.

The Lady Skippers return to district action Tuesday hosting the St. Scholastica Academy Doves at 5:30. Both clubs are 5-1 in district play, trailing the Fontainebleau Lady Bulldogs (6-0) by one game in the district standings. FHS travels to Hammond on Tuesday.