The Traverse City St. Francis girls soccer team started the 2024 season with a 3-0 victory over Elk Rapids, marking a joyful beginning after two seasons of tough openings. Despite being outshot 19 to 5, sophomore Riley Collins and goalkeeper Paisleigh Upshaw played pivotal roles in the Gladiators' win.

By the Numbers
  • Traverse City St. Francis defeated Elk Rapids 3-0.
  • Elk Rapids had a 23-game regular season winning streak against Lake Michigan Conference opponents before this loss.
State of Play
  • Traverse City St. Francis (1-0, 1-0 Lake Michigan) started the season successfully with a shutout victory.
  • The victory ended Elk Rapids' 23-game regular season winning streak against Lake Michigan Conference opponents.
  • The Gladiators are aiming to make school history by clinching their first conference title as the Lake Michigan Conference comes to a close.
  • Elk Rapids (0-1, 0-1 Lake Michigan) will need to regroup with a mix of experienced and inexperienced players as they look to bounce back in the upcoming games.
What's Next

Traverse City St. Francis looks ahead to their home opener against Boyne City, aiming to continue their successful start and potentially make history in their final year in the Lake Michigan Conference.

Bottom Line

Traverse City St. Francis' victory over Elk Rapids signals a promising start to the season, setting the stage for a potential historic conference title win as the Gladiators aim to leave their mark in the final year of the Lake Michigan Conference.