Waynesville Tigers Shut Out Ozark Tigers

The preseason #1 picks came to Ozark tonight with one objective in mind – earn that ranking. They took a step in the right direction today with a 5-0 win over their namesakes to the South. Coach Scott’s group looked good tonight, applying steady pressure that led to mistakes by the Ozark’s squad that were converted into goals. Due to an Ozark’s storm that blew through just before the start, conditions were slippery and the first two goals were scored inside the six yard box, by #Erica Combs and #14 Ashley Stockstill, when they were able to get to loose balls first.

The Ozark Tigers were undaunted however and this young squad played their game, which emphasizes short passes and a good use of the wings where speedy youngsters like #4 Alicia Collard and #6 Megan Jenisch, freshmen and #9 Sammi Wright, a sophomore, provide good two way play. Add in a pair of freshman midfielders in #16 Megan Gunnels and #17 Megan Stodden and this team’s outlook is strong.

Waynesville is looking like they are in mid-season form however, despite what Head Coach Josh Scott might think. While Katie Pritchard returns for her third season of All-State performance, this is a team that appears to know what their individual responsibilities are as well as their team opportunities. With strong, speedy wing defenders, a strong central midfield that can win the 50/50 ball and attack with equal alacrity, and proven goal scoring (Pritchard had 48 last year) it will be great to see this team challenge the old-guard for Ozark Conference and District titles.

Of particular note was the work of Tasha Lord on the right side today. I’ve already seen half a dozen games and Tasha’s ability to win balls, and more importantly, serve them consistently into the box from the wing and the corner kick, gives the Tigers one more important weapon in winning the scoring battle. Tasha got two goals in today’s game, both beauties. The first came on a shot from over 25 yards out that settled gently into the far netting, only 30 seconds after she rang one off the crossbar from a similar distance. The final goal of the game came in the second half when she took the ball into the box and as 3 defenders attempted to close on her, she calmly lifted one over the head of the onrushing GK. Sweet.

Springfield Catholic – 10
Marshfield Blue Jays – 0
The Blue Jays opened their season in difficult fashion tonight. While Marshfield worked hard, and showed good organization, there will be lots of teams that will have difficulty against this Irish squad this year. As Coach Paul Lewis noted, it’s difficult to defend when Irish senior and Rockhurst University signee Elle Holtman unleashes a 25 yard, left footed shot into the upper 90. Add a hat-trick for Bailes, goals from DeLong, Tonjuk and some underclassmen I’m still learning about and it’s quite a night.

West Plains Zizzers – 2
Poplar Bluff Mules – 1
Playing in a light but steady rain, the Zizzers were able to get an early PK goal by Mollie Plocher in the 15th minute to establish a lead. Poplar Bluff was able to tie the game in 34th minute on a shot from near the spot to the far post. It wasn’t until the 71st minute that the Zizzer’s were able to get the winner when Plocher, unassisted, dribbled past 2 defenders and put left footed shot to the far post just past the outstretched keeper.

Lebanon Yellowjackets – 4
Neosho Wildcats – 1
The Yellowjackets opened the scoring in the 20th min on a goal by Hannah Winkle Goal. Courtney Chodes pass across the top of the area found Winkle whose shot to the top center got in over the Neosho keeper. A minute later All-Star prospect Kati Rodriguez evened the score at 1 with a 27 yard bomb that grazed the bar as it went in over Lebanon’s keeper. Shockley had the game winner in the 39th minute on an assist from Winkle. Shockley ran on to a cornerkick and redirected the ball near post. Emily Boyer scored in the 54th and Winkle got a second in the 74th for the final margin.