NEW GLARUS — The No. 8 ranked Sugar River Raiders defeated Madison Country Day-ALSA 7-0 behind Anya Brenkman’s second straight hat trick on Thursday, May 4. Anya Brenkman leads the team with 20 goals this season.

“Coming into the season, I felt we had great foundations to not only support Anya, but also have others command some attention,” Sugar River head coach John Ziperski said. “Mid-season we actually have been managing Anya’s minutes and her production has increased.”

Anya Brenkman put the Raiders on the board with a goal in the 18th minute of play, assisted by her sister Bella Brenkman. The goal sparked Sugar River’s offense, as Kylie Humke scored just over a minute later with an assist from Zoey Lovejoy. Hannah Boldebuck’s goal, assisted by Annika Ziperski, gave the Raiders a 3-0 lead.

As the first half came to a close, Lola Endicott had a breakaway down the right side of the field. She drew two defenders, leaving Anya Brenkman open in front of the net for goal. 

Although it took the Raiders nearly 18 minutes to score in the first half, it took just four minutes in the second. Jenna Gentilli received a drop pass, and the defense gave her too much room. Her shot from outside the box sailed just over the goalie’s fingertips and under the crossbar for a 5-0 lead.

“I have been happy to see more possession with purpose, more supportive scoring, and most of all I feel the girls are taking training to heart and improving in each match,” John Ziperski said. “I love that our midfield — led by Jenna Gentilli and Bella Brenkman — is starting to really click and improve.” 

Four minutes later, Sugar River took a corner kick. Audry Brueggemann found Bella Brenkman, who headed it passed the goaltender for a 6-0 lead. With just over a minute left in the contest, Anya Brenkman completed her hat trick with an unassisted goal. 

In net, Addison Lutz recorded three saves. The win marked the eighth shutout of the season for Sugar River. Despite substantial changes to their defense, the Raiders have allowed just 10 goals all season. 

“It is a proud part of what we do,” John Ziperski said. “I try hard each year to create a culture where we can rally around our defensive efforts. Defense has been about organization and discipline. The girls have embraced this and are playing for each other.”

The Raiders currently sit at 4-0 in the Capitol Conference, tied with Lodi. With three games left in the conference season, one of the against the Devils, Sugar River knows it needs to stay focused and locked in.

“The biggest enemy to our success is complacency and feeling we are locked into some sort of path,” John Ziperski said. “At the beginning of the season, we have a very good idea of what we are expected to be doing and also understand that rankings, awards and statistical accomplishments are always the fruits of our hard work and never entitled.”

In other local soccer, Monroe fell to Sauk Prairie 10-0. Eagle sophomore McKenna Breunig had three goals and two assists.