Class 3 Girls Soccer – Nixa Eagles Will Face Rock Bridge Saturday

Nixa Eagles (18-5) – 3
Willard Tigers (13-12) – 0
In a season that matched the TV series “Lost” for twist and turns, a pair of Central Ozark Conference squads met this evening to battle for a chance to reach the Quarterfinals. Both teams were coming off emotional wins, having earned their first ever District titles and now faced the opportunity of being one game away from the State Final 4.

The Tiger’s came out disciplined and fronted the Eagle’s in an organized fashion but were unable to match the Eagle’s attacking prowess. In the first minute of the match, junior Kelsey Bartell streaked into the area but the Tiger’s fine goalkeeper, Brittany Dunn was there to meet her and pull in the ball as Bartell tumbled (pictured). That set the tone for the game however as the teams worked to break through.

Nixa got what turned out the be the game-winner eleven minutes in when a ball came from the far right side to the left where junior Kelsey Haist was waiting. As she turned to goal, she cut the ball back and stepped free of her defender just long enough to get off a shot that slid just inside the left upright while never leaving the surface from about 16 yards out.

Bartell scored the final two goals for the Eagles as the diminutive striker, who is willing to run full speed into the tightest spots, scored in the 33rd and 67th minutes for the final margin. Her first came as sophomore Lauren Moats got to the endline and sent a ball into the six yard box. Bartell charged in and somehow got it between the upright and a charging Dunn, staying upright the entire time this time around.

Bartell and Moats hooked up again for the final goal. Moats came all the way back into the defensive third to pick up a ball along the sideline. After controlling the ball and sprinting down the line, Moats threaded a diagonal ball to split a pair of defenders and send Bartell into the box unmarked. Patience and a simple ball to the far post beat Dunn’s best efforts.

The Tiger’s will be well prepared to defend their title next season, returning 8 starters including Dunn. With Rebekah Mann (#17) and Deshann Rexroat (#16) graduating, it’s imperative that this young squad find central midfielders with the intelligence and work ethic both exhibited this season but there are several candidates including three freshman – Regan Textor, Macie Cotter and Miriam Dashtipour. The key will be be scoring. That responsibility will fall to a new coach as Coach Geoff Meiss has stepped down from his position, after setting new records for the program, including the District title. A new coach has been identified and an announcement is expected once the Board approves it. Congratulations to Coach Meiss and the girls on their success!

Rolla Bulldogs (13-9-2) – 0
Columbia Rock Bridge Bruins (11-11-2) – 4
Final

The Eagles will now face the Bruins in the Quarterfinal on Saturday May 29th at 1:00 pm. The game will be played at the Waynesville Middle School (former HS) on the turf. The winner will move onto the Final 4 Friday June 4th at 7:00 pm. The opponent will come from the four teams listed below.

Jackson Indians - 1
Pattonville Pirates – 2

Francis Howell – 1 (2 OT)
Ursuline Academy – 0

The Winner’s – Pattonville and Francis Howell – play on Saturday at 7:00 pm at the AB Center in Fenton.

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