Tuesday’s Game Reports

I made it out to two games Tuesday, starting with the Class 1 District 12 match up between Willard and Catholic. The Wildcats Tigers were winning when I left at halftime, 1-0, on the basis of a goal scored by junior Amelia Mann, pictured on the left. Amelia found space in the box in the 26th minute on a corner kick and helped the Wildcats surprise the Irish.

The Wildcats Tigers had the first opportunity, shortly after the late start, when they earned a corner kick. As the game developed, Catholic began to generate more attacking opportunities, in particular with the runs down the flank that seniors Katherine DiSarno and Jordan Swift were making on diagonal balls from Elle Holtman and Tara Bailes in the middle. Alicia Tonjuk, getting a rare start up top in place of the still injured Anne Delong, was the primary benificiary of the service that came from the flanks. Freshman Emily Harris came closest however, including a shot from in the box that the GK tipped up onto the crossbar before collecting the rebound. Wildcats Tigers goalkeeper, Morgan Ulesich (one of my peeps, from the Land of 10000 lakes I discovered) kept Willard close with two goal saving stops in the first half and several other significant efforts.

The final – updated: Catholic, who cannot be accused of doing anything easily this season, came back in this match, scoring three goals in the second half to win by the score of 3-1. Alicia Tonjuk, pictured above, got the tying goal on an assist from Anne Prenger, and Elle Holtman scored two on assists from Tara Bailes and Sarah Martin to earn the win for the Irish.
(note to Catholic – I can cover more of your games when you play before the other squads here in town)

Meanwhile, in Ozark Conference action, the 15-1 Waynesville Tigers were visiting the Glendale Falcons. This Falcons, very aware of the success the Tigers have been having, did not take their opponent lightly on this cool and wet evening. The result was a 5-0 win for Glendale that was the result of a team defensive effort. It included a breakout performance by freshman Jeni Frewin who registered a hat trick in scoring her ever varsity goals in the win. Jamie Bond got the game winner in the first half followed by Jeni’s first, on an assist from her Pershing & club teammate, Emily Jordan, who stepped into a central midfield role this evening alongside Megan Garrad. Jeni got two more in the second along and Lou Opfer closed out the scoring with her solo effort sent over the keepers head after she was caught out.

The Tigers played a good game and had several opportunities in the second half from strong wing play by Shanna Neely and Tasha Lord. Lord in particular showed a strong ability to put dangerous balls into the box, whether from a cross or the corner kicks she has responsibility for. The Tigers have the athleticism to play with the traditional powers in the Conference but need to develop a stronger possession game to continue their growth. With 14 freshman or sophomore players, the possibility for the break through is there. Glendale sophomore defender Maggie Schrier is pictured above with Shanna Neely of Waynesville.

In other Conference action, Rolla shut out Joplin 3-0. The Bulldogs got goals from Kaitlin Bramel, Sophie Cox, Kelsey McFarland. Assists were registered by Autumn McEachern and Courtney Shaw. The Bulldogs move to 11-1-3, and remain undefeated in the Ozark Conference with a record of 5-0-0. Glendale visits on Thursday in a game that will likely guarantee a Conference championship for the Bulldogs if they defeat their rival.

Meanwhile, after hosting the Zizzers Classic, West Plains welcomed the Hillcrest Hornets this evening. After waiting out the storms, West Plains defeated Hillcrest 6-0. Jessica Brixey tied the school record for goals in a game with 4 and is now 1 Goal shy of the school single season record of 16 set by Alina Alaimo in 1998. Alina went on to play 4 years at what was then Southwest Missouri State.

Jessica got the game winner in the 4th minute, assisted by Jennifer Eskew. She completed the hat trick in the first half and got her fourth in the 47th minute. Assists by Margaret Grisham, Ashley Kimberling and Audi Morrison. Additional goals were scored by Ashley Kimberling, assisted by Tiffany Vincent, and by Kerri Walker who was assisted by Michelle Esterle and Margaret Grisham

Updated:
Kickapoo defeated Parkview by the score of 7-0. Goals from Paige Blotter (2) Amanda Dominguez (2), Jessica Roberts, Karissa Nedoma and Alaina Williams. Assists for Jackie Sabel, Kelsey MacLachlan, Katy McLain, Nedoma and Roberts.

The Ozark Tigers hosted the Richland Tigers. Ozark wins 6-0. Goals from Simone Young, Caitlin Germeroth, Erica Hogan, Melissa Hogan (2) and Jenna Ward. Assists by Brooke Neill, Young and Germeroth.

Lebanon continues their move into the upper half of the Ozark Conference standings with their 4 – 2 win over hosts Camdenton. The Yellowjackets went up 2 – 0 in the first half on goals by Janel Glidden and Hanna Winkel, assisted by Brianna Ragains. Gliden got a second to start the second half, assisted by Ragains, but saw the Lady Lakers claw back with goals by Chelsea Williams and Lindsey Sinclair (assists from Hayley Christensen and Williams). Lebanon sealed the win with a final goal by Courtney Chodes.

PS – Cubs win 6-3 Monday night over the Florida Marlins.