Elzinga’s hat trick sparks Tigers in opener

HOWARDS GROVE – Senior Paul Elzinga’s three goals powered the Howards Grove Tigers to an 8-3 rout over Sheboygan Lutheran here Wednesday afternoon.

The Central Lakeshore Conference match was the Tigers’ boys soccer season debut.

“I was very proud of our guys today. We started a bit slow in the first half but kept our composure and came out the second half playing our game,” said Tiger head coach Todd Fischer.

“Our communication, possession, touches and team play improved which let to a successful day.”

The Tigers trailed 2-1 at halftime but exploded for seven unanswered goals in the second half. Elzinga scored three unassisted goals in the final half.

Senior Duston Rabe and junior Nathan Mutsch contributed two goals each and freshman Jordan Fischer kicked one for Howards. Elzinga, Mutsch, Ross Gilbert and Matthew Brickner had one assist apiece.

The Tigers held an impressive 19-7 lead in shots on goal. Howards goalkeeper Carter Rockhill made four saves.