Lowell controlled possession but needed patience to break through Sparta’s stubborn defense. Finn Ault-Balcer’s second-half goal lifted the Red Arrows to a 1-0 victory and a 3-0 start.

The Lowell Girls Soccer team is 9-7-1 on the season.

Lowell beat Kenowa Hills 6-0 and lost a close contest with top of the table, Allendale, 1-0.

Lowell girls soccer battled Forest Hills Eastern to a 0-0 draw despite continuing injury challenges, with GRCC commit Izzy Cook making a key goal-line save and senior goalkeeper Calli Rottier recording her third shutout of the season.

This spring has been up and down with pockets of warm weather, but Friday’s soccer game with East Kentwood definitely wasn’t one of those times.