Rigby sparks Lenape to 3-0 girls' soccer victory

With the graduation of Inquirer South Jersey soccer player of the year Natalia Torosian, Lenape's Katie Rigby realized she would have a major role this season.

Of course, Rigby had a major role last season, scoring 13 goals for the unbeaten Indians (25-0). Rigby said she realizes she will receive more attention from opposing defenses, but it doesn't mean the opponents will be more successful.

The post-Torosian era began in impressive fashion yesterday as Rigby scored twice in Lenape's 3-0 win over host Eastern in the opening game for both Olympic Conference American Division teams.

Rigby scored in the first half on a penalty kick that she created with a cross on which Eastern was called for a handball.

That got Lenape going, and the Indians scored once more before intermission, when Emmy Duffey converted an outstanding cross from Tori Prager.

During the waning minutes of the second half, Rigby finished the scoring after redirecting a shot by teammate Devon Betsch.

Both teams hit the post twice each during an up-tempo second half.

"She is just a pure goal scorer," Eastern coach Jamie McGroarty said about Rigby. "She is so smart and knows where to be."

She also knows how to finish.

"I know that with Talia gone that I will have to step up," Rigby said. "I think the key today was how great our defense played."

Lenape has a strong defense that includes Rider recruits Carolyn Wiley at stopper and Carley Carmody on the outside. The other two players in the back are sophomore Morgan McDivitt at sweeper and junior Nicole Curry on the outside.

Both Wiley and Carmody are adept at helping on the attack, making both doubly dangerous.

"This is a new team, and we have to establish our identity. But I think we will remain a team that once again has a solid defense," Carmody said.

Lenape is ranked No. 1 in South Jersey, and Eastern is No. 4. The Vikings will win their share of games - they played much better than the score indicated.

Lenape 2 1 - 3

Eastern 0 0 - 0

Goals: L-Katie Rigby 2, Emmy Duffey.

Saves: L-Allison Johnson 5, E-Deana Wood 6.