The Lady Pioneer soccer team may need to invest in Snickers. Coach Todd Willmore isn’t easy to satisfy.
Willmore gave his own performance a bad review Tuesday, despite the Lady Pioneers turning in a 4-2 victory on the road against Huntland.
“I was a bit frustrated with the job I did coaching, but as they say, a win is a win,” said Willmore. “I didn’t do a very good job of keeping the girls motivated to continue to play with the type of energy we started the match.”
Warren County didn’t waste long jumping on its opponent. Freshman Katie Toney continued her blistering start to the season, scoring in the opening minutes to give her five goals in as many games.
Relaxed with the lead, the Lady Pioneers allowed Huntland to get back in the game before halftime. The Lady Hornets looped a pass in behind the Warren County defense, finally capitalizing on a one-on-one shot that keeper Rachel Stewart challenged but couldn’t corral.
Willmore got his team back to attacking when action resumed.
Toney fed Sam Ramsey for an early score before freshman Breezy Wanamaker made it 3-1 on a rush from the left side and beating the keeper on a crossing shot.
Savannah Cox put the game away with 20 minutes left. The junior decided to take aim for the goal on a free kick from 30 yards.
Cox’s shot was on the money, just staying out of reach of the Huntland keeper to push the lead to three.
Willmore made mass substitutions late, getting his younger players a chance to play. Huntland was able to take advantage for a goal, but Warren County held on to push its record over .500 for the first time this season.
Lady Pioneers top Sewanee
Playing back-to-back nights is never easy for a soccer team, but the Lady Pioneers didn’t seem to sweat it Wednesday in Sewanee.
Behind two goals each from Toney and Ramsey, Warren County defeated Sewanee 4-1.
“We were much more focused and played well from the first whistle,” said Willmore. “Our possession was as good as it has been all year. The girls on the field were hustling and communicating, and the girls on the sideline were supportive and encouraging.”
Toney got the scoring started, followed closely by Ramsey’s first tally. Ramsey scored both her goals in the first half, getting set up by Toney on the first goal and a perfect pass from Jaden Smartt to make it 3-0 before halftime.
The Lady Pioneers pushed the advantage to four early in the second half, sequencing together 10 straight passes before the ball found the foot of Toney. The freshman broke free from two defenders to rip a shot past the keeper for her team-high seventh goal.
Warren County lost its shutout late, but coach Willmore was pleased by the effort of his defense.
“Sewanee had a big, strong, fast forward who was technically as good as we have seen this season. We did an excellent job defensively on her,” said Willmore.
The coach pointed at the play of Sarah Badger and Kade Wilcher in the middle, along with the backline support of Cox, Gwynie Simpson, Natalie Stepien, Julia Taylor and Shelby Roberts.
Warren County will be back at home Tuesday, Sept. 4 for a matchup with Coffee County at 7 p.m.
