Leah Peterson and Cassie Smelko scored two goals each to lead EHS to a 4-0 victory over visiting District 9 foe Port Allegany on Monday.

“We started off a little flat, but we were able to keep them off the scoreboard,” said Eisenhower coach Diana Elmquist. “I thought we played much better in the second half.”

It was Peterson, the junior forward, that got EHS on the board with a chip that found it’s way into the left upper corner

In the 19th minute, Smelko played a great pass from Madison Mohney and beat Port Allegany keeper Brielle Budd to make it 2-0.

Eisenhower’s Patrica Bortz fires a shot on goal.

In between and for most of the first half, Eisenhower maintained possession, although they weren’t able to generate many scoring chances outside of the first two.

That changed after halftime, as they began to pepper Budd and the Lady Gator defense with shots.

Not quite seven minutes into the second half, it was Peterson who found the talented freshman Smelko, who did the rest to put Ike up 3-0.

The defensive combo of Faith Johnson in net, as well as Rachel Frederick, Ellie Strausser, Ava Nizzi and Hope Hefright were steady, not allowing any quality scoring chances for Port Allegany.

That allowed Eisenhower to extend its lead with just over four minutes remaining, as again it was Peterson with another great chip shot to cap the scoring.

Eisenhower's Rachel Frederick takes the ball away from Port Allegany's Cailey Bennett.

Although they didn’t generate any goals, the combination of seniors Patricia Bortz and Caroline Smelko, as well as junior Katie Elmquist were effective, helping EHS dominate possession and quality scoring chances.

“This group has been playing well together and playing the way they are capable,” Elmquist said about her team and their early-season success. “With seven seniors and eight juniors, we have high expectations.”

Eisenhower, now 4-1-1 on the young season, welcomes Cambridge Springs today for a Region 3 showdown.