#4 Lebanon Yellowjackets – 3
#1 Waynesville Tigers – 2
The Yellowjackets found the same reservoir of energy tonight that took them to the District Final last year when they upset the Glendale Falcons. It was the Tigers that established the early bragging rights, scoring 20 seconds into the game from Lauren Kelly, a margin they took to the locker rooms at halftime. In the words of Coach Gow, who leaves Lebanon for the Tigers job when this season ends, there was no need to raise his voice or even discuss what needed to be done. Each of the ladies knew what was needed and what they as a team were capable of having been here before. Junior Cassie Wood tied the game in the 48th on assists from Ashley Shockley and Chelsea LaFors but Erica Combs regained the lead for Waynesville in the 53rd.
In the 60th minute, Callie Beard scored her first ever Varsity goal when she banged a ball from the midfield line that in combination with the wind somehow found it’s way under the crossbar, giving Lebanon their second tie. Wood got the ultimate game-winner in the 67th on an assist from Brianna Ragains. Both of her goals were scored on headers this evening.
Katie Pritchard had an opportunity to tie the game in the final minutes but was unable to connect, ending the remarkable run the Waynesville Tigers made this year. Undefeated in the Ozark Conference , a second straight Conference title but it will remain for a future team to earn the first Girls District Soccer title.
#2 Glendale Falcons – 2
#3 Rolla Bulldogs – 1
The Falcon’s rebounded from last year’s disappointment to defeat the defending District Champions this evening on a late goal by Emily Cline. Glendale scored first when Jenni Frewin continued her recent scoring streak, assist to Cline. Rolla’s Jaclyn Standfast tied the game in the first half, unassisted, and thats where the score remained at halftime. The second half was a two-way battle as both teams attacked relentlessly until Cline broke through in the final 10 minutes, assisted by Emilee Williams.
Rolla had a breakaway in the final minute of the game that grazed the upright. Senior Rachel Duckworth apparently got just enough of the ball to deflect it and protect the Falcon’s lead.
The District title game will be Thursday at 6:00 pm at Lebanon. The Yellowjackets return to the final for the second straight year, this time they’ll face the Glendale Falcons.
Ozark Tigers – 3
Parkview Vikings – 0
The Tigers got a goal in the first half to open a lead they would not relinquish. The Vikings finish their season at 11-10 and look to return as many as 8 starters next year.
Kickapoo Chiefs – 5
Nixa Eagles – 1
Kickapoo opened the scoring via a corner kick in the 8th minute. The ball made it across the entire mouth of the goal before it was tapped in by Erica Freiert on the far side. A shot by Chelsea Russell went off the hands of the goalie before falling to x for an easy tap in and Freiert got a second in the 25th after a cross to the far post.
The second half opened with Nixa giving up an own goal off a corner kick as well. The Eagle’s got one back when their new #2 on the career scoring list, senior Stephanie Allen, scored on a PK. It came after Kelsey Bartell was fouled on a courageous challenge with the keeper. Keeper was called for the red card in the 55th. The final goal was scored by Chelsea Russell scored on a breakaway off a 70 yard punt by the Kickapoo keeper in the 64th minute.
Coach Tom Davidson will take his Ozark Tigers to Joplin on Thursday to face off against the Kickapoo Chiefs for the District 12 title. Game time is 6:00 pm.
