Ninth-grader Josie Leonard scored four goals and junior Shelby Hansen had three as the Park Wolfpack easily dispatched visiting East Ridge 9-1 on a chilly 2022 season opener Monday.

Leonard had four goals in seven attempts, while Hansen made three goals on eight shots.

Megan Maloney and Madi Brinkman also put in goals for the Wolfpack against the Raptors.

Kyra Stofer and Hansen each had an assist in the game.

“I thought our ground balls, our possession game were really good,” said Park head coach Scott Leonard. “I know earlier we’ve been struggling with ground balls, and I thought we really kind of dominated that part of the game. We dominated draws as well with Madi Brinkman taking our draws. She’s big and strong and she kind of dominates that. SO I thought that was huge for us.

“And then once we got on the offense end we settled down and didn’t freak out,” Leonard added. “Even when they were in our end I was really impressed. We didn’t give them any open lanes to net. Our slides were tremendous on defense. As a girl goes from one zone to the next, we just slid with them and didn’t let them through any gaps. It was fun to see.”

The Wolfpack also got stellar play from its defense and in the net, holding East Raptors scoreless until the Raptors scored with 29 seconds remaining. Nearly all of the game was played in East Ridge’s half of the field.

“I think we kept the ball in their zone a lot and we kept our composure throughout the rough – them playing rough against us,” said Park ninth grade goalie Aubree Laska, who had a standout game as a first-time full-time varsity starter.

“I’d say we had good composure, but we can do a lot better, and we need to go back to basics and just kept on what we’re working on and not try and push it and have a solid foundation and then go from there,” said Leonard.

Park has a jam-packed week of games upcoming. The Wolfpack (1-0) plays at Forest Lake Wednesday, April 20, plays at Rochester Mayo Friday, plays at Rochester Century Saturday then hosts Cretin-Derham Hall Monday, April 25.

Madi Brinkman (10) leads a Park charge down the field in the second half Monday. Photo by John Molene

Wolfpack freshman Josie Leonard scored four goals as Park won its season opener against East Ridge Monday evening.Photo by John Molene