The Hillcrest Academy boys soccer team started the season by protecting their home pitch Thursday with a 3-1 win over visiting Cedar Valley Christian in Kalona. Hillcrest took the lead when Rowan Miller was taken down in the box by the CVC keeper, midway through the first, leading to a Grant Bender PK chance that he cashed in to make the score 1-0 Ravens. The Huskies would answer with a goal late in the half to even the score at one going to the break. In the second half, the chances kept coming for the Ravens. In the 54th minute, it was a Miller to Miller combo when Lincoln found Rowan to give Hillcrest the lead for good at 2-1. Six minutes later, Isaac Lybeck connected with Seth Ours who drilled a shot to the back of the net for insurance, putting the Ravens ahead by the final 3-1 score. After the match, Hillcrest head coach Marcus Miller talked about what he saw. “We were creating some nice connecting passes in the  middle. It’s built on good skill and good ideas. Bryce (Bailey) improved a lot last year and he showed that again tonight. Mason Helmuth came in and played really well. Mason Bender at defensive mid did well. Isaac Lybeck also. Defensively it felt like that’s where our experience was. Rowan (Miller) seems to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time and then he’s got good speed and strength. It was nice to see Grant (Bender) convert the PK. It was nice to see Lincoln (Miller) and Rowan (Miller) connect on their goal. They strung a couple of nice passes together. Isaac Lybeck got the ball to Seth (Ours) when he was in an open spot. It was two nice goals and we were happy to get them.”

The Ravens owned possession, piling up 10 shots on goal. Kyle Neuschwander had a save in his first career game in goal. The win moves the Ravens to 1-0 on the year as they get ready for Wapello Thursday.