Ella Henton’s 2023 season was shortened due to injury, leaving her with one more season on the field in 2024.
During the Aug. 21 home game against Avon Lake, Henton made her impact felt. The senior scored a game-winning goal late in the first half and provided an assist on Allison Tabeling’s goal in the 45th minute. The Demons ultimately defeated the Shoregals 4-2, marking coach Kate Shank’s first win as head coach of the varsity team.
The last goal for the home team was scored by Avery Juris in the 55th minute.
“I was shocked at how well we played,” said Shank, who had just taken in the cheers of her players. “We came in with the mindset that we wanted to win and we had to defend hard, and that’s what we did. We told our defenders to go forward, and every time we did that, we created more chances.”
“We also told them to play into the corners so the girls could run towards the ball and that’s exactly what happened. It created opportunities.”
Avery Shreffler put Westlake on the scoreboard early with a shot from about 18 yards out in the third minute, giving the Demons an early boost after losing by narrow margins in previous close games – including practice games.
“It feels really good,” Shreffler said. “We’ve been in every single game and to finally get a result at the end feels really good.”
Avon Lake’s Olivia Lengel scored the equalizer in the 19th minute of play when Henton came on as a substitute and scored the opening goal that put the Demons ahead on a wave of momentum.
“I’m very excited,” said Henton, smiling. “This game really boosted our confidence. Not just mine, but the whole team’s. We all played well and we played together. Everyone had a goal and it wasn’t just me or a particular player, so I’m very proud and very happy.”
Tabeling’s goal, aided by Henton’s close-range assist, gave Westlake the lead for good, while Avon Lake freshman Ava Ceo scored her first first-team goal late in the game to make it 4-2.
“I feel like I was just running with Ella when she had the ball,” Tabeling recalled. “She made a great cross. All I had to do was push it in. I think the chemistry in our team is really good and we also have three newcomers who are playing really well. I think we’re getting better with every game.”
With the win, Westlake is now 1-1 this season, while Avon Lake (0-2) and its new head coach Doug Buczak are still looking for win No. 1 at the start of the season.
“It’s a process,” Buczak said. “As a new coach, you learn each player’s personality and their strengths and weaknesses and find a way to push the right buttons. It’s going to be a process and I just asked the girls to be patient and trust me and I trust them. We created good opportunities, but today it was about execution.”
The result
Westlake 4, Avon Lake 2
