There is always more to a game than the outcome, and that was definitely the case on Thursday when the Bulldogs played host to Hannibal.
Mexico took to the pitch for the first time since the death …
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![The Azdell family has established a scholarship in Emma's honor. The soccer team held t-shirt sales that raised more than $1,500 for the Emma Azdell Scholarship Fund. [Dave Faries]](https://epsilon.creativecirclecdn.com/mexicoledger/original/20210723-134900-Mexico%20soccer%20v%20Hannibal%201.JPG)
There is always more to a game than the outcome, and that was definitely the case on Thursday when the Bulldogs played host to Hannibal.
Mexico took to the pitch for the first time since the death of their teammate Emma Azdell. But her presence was everywhere – on the shirts the Bulldogs wore during warmups, on signs around the grounds and in the hearts of her teammates.
“I feel like my best friend was here,” said Lizzie Joiner.
The Bulldogs were understandably not in top form, being outmatched 8-0. But they gave their best effort. Tessa Haefling again put in a solid performance in goal, recording 20 saves. Joiner’s growing prowess on defense showed as she threw herself into passing lanes to deflect Hannibal attacks. And Paige Myers provided an offensive threat.
Yet tributes to Azdell defined the day.
There was a moment of silence before the announcement of starting lineups. The public address announcer introduced Azdell, with the entire Mexico side taking a knee. The visitors brought flowers for the Bulldogs in a show of sympathy.
“It was really appreciated,” said Bulldogs’ head coach Haley Schafer.
Still, there was a game to play. The Pirates struck early, with Baylee Zeiger converting from a corner.
Hannibal scored again, putting them up 2-0 before five minutes had elapsed. But Haefling got to work, stopping a Sadie Stine roller, plucking three hard drives out of the air and hustling to beat Bella Falconer to a free ball in the box.
“Whenever you see her go out, it’s like ‘we have to get our heads in the game,’” Myers explained.
The Bulldogs defense stiffened. Wyndee Bohr won a one on one battle, Shelby Kennemore and Estrella Lopez dropped back to help. And for 15 minutes Mexico turned back everything the Pirates threw at them.
But Hannibal benefitted from a bit of fortune when Grace Hiles’ lofting shot ricocheted off the cross bar and in. Haefling had to leave the game momentarily after a collision making yet another save. She was spelled capably by Brett Iman, but the Bulldogs lost their rhythm.
And they felt the absence of their biggest supporter from the bench.
“It was harder than I expected,” Joiner observed. “She was always the positive person.”
The Bulldogs have three games on the schedule this week – two falling after The Ledger’s deadline, one at home on Friday.
Haefling, who pointed toward the heavens as she was introduced before the game, noted that the team would be ready.
“She would want us to be here,” Haefling said.
