By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
The Burlington girls soccer team scratched and clawed its way to a key Southern Lakes Conference victory Tuesday night.
Facing rival Waterford on the road, the Demons got two goals from Merin Mundt, including the game-winner in the 63rd minute, to take a 3-2 victory.
Burlington improved to 4-0 in the SLC and 7-3-2 overall. It was the Demons’ third straight victory, all of which came against SLC opponents.
It’s safe to say Burlington’s conference title defense is going well.
“We did well to come back after Waterford went ahead early,” said Burlington coach Joel Molitor. “Our passing was not as sharp as it usually is, but we were able to gain control of the possession and put a great deal of pressure on their defense.”
Mundt, who recently returned from an injury, is looking like the player that scored more than 20 goals to lead the Demons last season.
Mundt’s first goal, which was assisted by Maddy Harry, came in the 13th minute.
“Merin Mundt played well,” Molitor said. “It’s nice to have her back scoring goals.”
After the teams were tied, 1-1, at the half, Sydney McCourt’s goal in the 57th minute made it 2-1.
But Waterford came right back with a Lexi Ketterhagen goal.
Then, Mundt sealed the deal with her second goal, and the tough Demon defense rode out the final 17 minutes to earn the win.
Burlington goalie Erica Novak had five saves.
Molitor commended the work of McCourt and Jackie Vergara.
“Sydney McCourt was an absolutely tireless worker in the midfield, and her hard work was rewarded with a good goal from outside the box,” Molitor said. “Jackie played very well in a new role in central midfield. She played the entire 80 minutes, and did exceptionally well.”
Burlington hosts Elkhorn (5-8, 2-2 SLC) Thursday and travels to Westosha Central Monday.
The Demons are currently tied with Delavan-Darien for the SLC lead.
Burlington 1, Lake Geneva Badger 0
The Demons let their defense do the heavy lifting Friday at Lake Geneva Badger, a place Molitor said is always a difficult place to play.
Playing in just her second varsity game, Novak pitched a shutout in goal, and Burlington got a scoring tally from Harry in the 33rd minute.
“This was another very even game,” Molitor said. “We were fortunate to get a win. Badger was ready to defend and attack, and they played us evenly in the second half.”
Molitor said Novak was “huge” in goal.
“She made some huge stops, and she was in the right spot when we needed her to be there.”
Ashley Derks was able to stop Badger’s most dangerous attacker, according to Molitor. He said Derks didn’t make a wrong move all night.
Novak finished with two saves.
Burlington 2, Wilmot 0
The Lady Demons started off the week with another shutout on the road.
Burlington took a 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to Harry’s goal in the 25th minute.
Then, Ashlyn Barry sealed the deal with a goal in the 65th minute, with the assist from Mundt.
It was the return of Mundt, who recorded her assist in just 20 minutes of play. She missed the previous month with an injury.
“We did well to break down Wilmot’s defense tonight,” Molitor said. “They played very solidly, and their positioning was excellent.”
“Emily Mundt did a nice job for us in an attacking midfield role. She is improving as the season progresses. Harry is getting sharper with each game. She had a good goal off of a corner kick.”
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