Some early season bad luck is turning around for Whitehall’s girls soccer team, most recently with a 3-0 victory over Liberty on Monday night’s senior night at Whitehall.

“I thought that we were very patient, very methodical,” said Whitehall coach Chris Bleam. “It was frustrating in the first half because Liberty played with a lot of players behind the ball and it took us awhile to break it down. We didn’t panic, and that’s what I’m proud of our girls for.”

In the 38th minute, senior forward Aubrey Vivian scored the first goal of the night after her initial attempt several seconds earlier.

“The first attempt was hard because I had a defender pushing me out wide, but it always gets my adrenaline going, getting to the goal and then getting another chance,” Vivian said. “Ava Wells had a very nice pass, and I’m very proud of her for that. It had more impact than a regular goal because it was senior night, so it was really nice in an important game like this.”

Some halftime adjustments paid off immediately when Sage Snyder found the back of the net only 38 seconds into the second half.

“I was like, it’s only been 30 seconds, and we already have a goal,” said Whitehall keeper Samantha Kern, who noted the difficulty Liberty had in getting past the Zephyr defense. “It’s harder as a team to get back both those points because you get really down from having two goals scored on you.”

Wells had the third goal that sailed over Liberty keeper Sophia Albino in the 49th minute.

“I’m surprised we didn’t get a couple more, but three was certainly enough,” said Bleam, “and I think it was an all-around great team effort.”

Whitehall seniors who were honored on Monday night in addition to Vivian were Bella Fonzone, Celeste Yunez-Cosme, Erika Wied, and Kaitlyn Wied.

Players were accompanied by their parents on the field prior to the start of the match.

Vivian was also joined by the parents of best friend Mia Due, whose jersey number Vivian wears after Due lost her life in a car accident this past summer.

“It was very comforting having them out here because, as a family, we are very, very close, especially after the accident,” Vivian said, “and it was kind of like Mia walking me out there, which was very nice and an uplifting moment.”

The 6-5-1 Zephyrs are wearing the name Mia on their sleeves and purple ribbons in their hair in memory of their teammate.