By Kyle Roberts
Ruston High boys’ soccer team (3-3-1) took a 4-2 win over Sterlington Thursday night thanks in large part to a hat trick effort by Jaiden Langiulli.
“It was a slow start, but our second half was one of the best halves of the season,” Ruston head coach Erich Hankamer said. “This is a great team, and we’re making the correct moves going forward.”
Ruston and Sterlington went into the break tied 2-2 before the Bearcats scored two unanswered goals in the second half. In addition to Langiulli’s three goals, Carter Tims added a fourth. Austin Guillory totaled two assists, while both Carlos Sanchez and Carmeron Harps registered an assist, as well.
On the girls’ side, the Lady Bearcats took Pineville to a draw at 1-1 after getting down early in the first five minutes of the match.
Pineville took a 1-0 lead into halftime before senior Reagan McCulloch off the left side in the last 10 minutes of the match.
“She’s so good on the left,” Ruston head coach Jacquelyn Bean said of McCulloch. “She can dribble and create chances; it’s fun to watch.”
Senior keeper Emily Stutzman tallied five saves on the night for Ruston.
The Lady Bearcats return to action for a morning match Saturday, Jan. 7, at 11 a.m. against West Monroe, while the boys will take on Natchitoches Central Monday, Jan. 9, at 5 p.m.
The girls’ match may be moved to 10 a.m. due to weather.
