Lauren Barker
If Columbus North girls soccer was looking ahead to Monday’s matchup at Class 3A No. 9 Bloomington South, the Bull Dogs ran smack into another quality Conference Indiana team on Saturday.
Terre Haute North, whose only loss this season came against Bloomington South, handed Columbus North a 5-2 defeat, all but ending the Bull Dogs chances of repeating as conference champions.
The Patriots (7-1-3, 3-1-1) jumped out to a 2-0 halftime lead on goals by Cali Wuestefeld in the 15th and 25th minutes. After Caroline Gauer scored in the 46th and 51st minutes, Terre Haute North led 4-0.
Columbus North (5-5-2, 2-1-1) got on the board in the 62nd minute when Lauren Barker scored off a corner kick from Rachel Merritt. But the Patriots answered with a goal from Alise Thompson in the 72nd minute.
The Bull Dogs added a second goal in the 78th minute when Page Mora scored off an assist from Barker.
Terre Haute North outshot Columbus North 22-13, putting 13 shots on goal to three for the Bull Dogs. Mallory Gilley posted eight saves.
“This loss starts from the top,” Columbus North coach David Young said. “I have to do a better job preparing the girls. We need to be prepared to compete, and today, we weren’t ready.”
