Connor Worley is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Northwest Christian High School for AZPreps365.com

Ella Kamp stuck out her left foot and stopped the goal kick mid-flight. 

She quickly gained control and seamlessly flipped the ball to her right. In three successive steps, the Northwest Christian senior forward breezed past the defender on her hip and rocketed a shot that ricocheted off the goalie’s knees and into the net. 

Just one minute later, Kamp found the net again.

This time she controlled a pass from midfield, dribbled into the right side of the box and nailed a cross body shot into the back left corner of the goal.

Kamp’s two goals were the first of 10 Crusaders (8-0) first half-goals in a 15-0 win over Bourgade Catholic (2-6) on Senior Night Friday. 

“I felt like we were confident from the beginning,” said Whitney Wilson, a senior defender. 

The Crusaders' aggressive offensive play consistently dissected the Golden Eagles defense. Within 10 minutes of Kamp’s goals, Northwest Christian’s relentless produced additional goals from forwards Ellie Johannes and Tatum Berkwitt, and midfielder Belle Floyd, effectively putting the match out of reach.

Northwest Christian extended its halftime lead to 10 before tacking on an extra five goals in the second half.

Wilson said the Crusaders have learned from previous games how to move better with the ball and take advantage of different alignments. 

“We’ve learned how to go outside in and work and get our heads up in transition,” she said.

The win continued Northwest Christian’s dominant season trend of early, large leads. The Crusaders have scored 88 goals and allowed just one this season. 

Crusaders coach Jeff Penzone said the group’s tenacity and an eagerness to start quickly is the reason for his team's dominance.

“We want to get off the blocks as quick as [we] can,” Penzone said. “If we can set the pace for ourselves in a game, then it’s going to be something we build on as the game goes on.”

“We know we have to come out strong and fast-paced,” added Carly Garberding, a senior midfielder.

In order to prevent complacency as games wear on, Penzone presents different challenges to his players to put them in new situations. 

“We try to work the ball around,” he said. “We try to go from the outside to in.”

Penzone added that the playoffs are becoming more of a focus as the regular season comes to an end and that he wants his players to be sharp and ready when it's needed most. The Crusaders have four more games on their schedule.

“If we’re not on our game and we’re not putting the ball on the outside and not working things that we’re not good at at this particular point, then we’re just kind of spinning our wheels,” he said.

At the heart of the Crusaders’ success so far this season is the chemistry the players have developed at practice and off the field.

“Because of COVID and having to practice for two months, two hours every day, seeing these girls, we have this amazing bond where we’re literally like a family and sisters,” Wilson said. “No matter what grade, we’re always hanging out, we’re always doing something.”

Garberding added that the group’s close bond and open communication then translates to an advantage on the field.

The Crusaders will be back on the pitch at 6 p.m Thursday when they host Veritas Prep (6-0-1). Bourgade Catholic (2-6) will host Wickenburg (0-8) at 4 p.m. Thursday.