Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

The St. Joseph Flyers have been improving all season. They made a point of proving it on Thursday.
Young and inexperienced to begin the season, the Flyers continued their improvement as they edged Rock Hill 3-2 on Thursday to hand the Redmen their first loss of the season.
St. Joseph (7-4-3) and Rock Hill (11-1-2) tied 2-2 in their first meeting three weeks ago.
“Our defense played great. We held them scoreless for the first 60 minutes of the game,” said Flyers’ coach Blake Balestra.
“Clay Willis, Chase Walters, Chase Wilds and T.J. Stone did not allow penetration. Chase Willis did an excellent job of shadowing (Victor) Aguilera.”
Jackson Rowe had two goals and Isaac Whaley the other goal for the Flyers. Bryce Balestra, Zach Roach and Whaley each had an assist.
Goalkeeper Jimmy Mahlmeister racked up 12 saves.
Despite the defensive effort, Victor Aguilera still scored both Rock Hill goals. Noah Roberts had four saves and Kaleb Kidd two saves as the Rock Hill goalkeepers.
St. Joseph had 21 shots with 10 on goals, one corner kick, 17 fouls and two offside penalties.
Rock Hill got off 25 shots with 14 on goal, five corner kicks, eight fouls and one offside penalty.
“Our team played very well tonight. We went up 3-0 in the first 5 minutes and got a little complacent. Aguilera made us pay for it. He is a very good player,” said coach Balestra.
“Rock Hill is a very good team and they never quit. It was a battle down to the last second.”
In the reserve game, the teams played to a scoreless tie.