By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
LITHIA
Newsome defender Lindsay LeSavage couldn't care less whether her name ever appears in the newspaper.
The senior isn't interested in accolades or recognition. LeSavage is only concerned with one number.
"Six," she said. "That's how many goals we've given up this year."
No, that's not a misprint. In 24 matches this year, Newsome's (24-0-0) lock-down defense has given up an average of a goal every four matches.
"We take it personal when we get scored on," defender Sammi Duval said. "We're not used to it."
Emily Jones and Jackie Simpson — along with LeSavage and Duval — have formed a stout backline that will get tested today when Newsome, ranked No. 2 in the country according to the latest ESPN RISE poll, faces Seminole at 12:45 in the state semifinals at the University of Tampa.
In fact, there have been matches where goalkeeper Teena Fehling has barely touched the ball.
"There have been so many games like that," Fehling, who has surrendered just three of those six goals, said. "Sometimes when we 8-0 teams, I'll just run and chase down balls so the ball girls don't have to."
With limited media coverage — and Newsome racking up an inflated 120 goals this year — it's rare when the defense gets the credit it deserves.
"I've never had more confidence in anything than I do of the defense in front of me," Fehling said. "And I know if I do make a mistake, they'll be right there on my line to have my back."
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Newsome, known for its stingy defensive philosophy, has had some excellent units in the past, but coach Kelly Townsend said one thing that separates this group is the cohesion.
"They are all unselfish players," she said. "Defense has always been our strong suit here, but these girls work so well together, it's impressive."
Although they might not get as much ink as the goal scorers, Newsome's defense has played an integral part in making sure the offense is sharp during practices. Even in training sessions, the defense doesn't appreciate being scored upon.
"It eats you up inside when it happens," Duval said.
That level of intensity during training has helped make the offense better.
"They push us so hard in practice," midfielder Karina Gutsche said. "And we push them right back, so it's good for both."
As for the press clippings — or lack thereof — LeSavage said they're inconsequential.
"The only statistic that matters is that number six."
Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@sptimes.com.