'Jacks dominate in shutout style

The Cloquet/Carlton girls soccer team has been on an impressive run this early season. Entering Saturday's game against North Branch, the Lumberjacks had recorded eight straight shutouts and made it nine with a 3-0 win. Cloquet/Carlton topped off its week with another shutout - this time on the road at Grand Rapids for a 3-0 win Monday. Following the two wins, the 'Jacks are now 11-1 with 10 shutout victories.

"We're really in rarified air," said Lumberjacks head coach Dustin Randall. "What's weird is I have to step back and enjoy these positive things and cut the girls some slack. As a coach, I'm always looking for the ways we can be better and do a better job, but sometimes you need to just step back and enjoy the moment and what the girls have accomplished."

On Saturday against North Branch, the 'Jacks got a goal from Addy Pecore midway through the first half on an assist by Makenzie Lynch to grab a 1-0 lead. About 10 minutes later, Lauren Hughes punched home a goal on an impressive pass from Addison Sandman, giving Cloquet/Carlton a 2-0 lead. Lynch added the final goal 10 minutes into the second half with the assist going to Aubrey Pavlatos, making the final score 3-0.

"It all begins on our back end," Randall said. "Our back line is real strong and it gives us the ability to run a lot of girls forward."

That back line is anchored by Kennedy Wick, Ellise Boyd-Affias, Allie Jones and Tenique Moose.

"All of them are solid and they play well together," Randall said. "They play fast, learn from their mistakes and they are all very competitive."

On Monday night the Lumberjacks hit the road to Grand Rapids and grabbed their 10th straight shutout, downing the Thunderhawks 3-0. The shutout streak nearly came to an end when the Thunderhawks were given a penalty kick, but Lumberjacks goalie Rylee Senich snuffed out the shot.

In the 10-game shutout and win streak, the 'Jacks have outscored opponents 32-0.